Sean and Emily Stock's daughter Lilian was devastatingly diagnosed with MLD (Metachromatic Leukodystrophy) late in 2024. MLD is a very rare genetic disorder that damages the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. It is a progressive, degenerative disease that will impact far more than a localised area or her characteristics. This disorder will take away her ability to move, to speak, to see, to eat and to swallow. Worse yet, this disorder will slowly take Lily away.

The Stock family have been very close to both Fay and I for the majority of our lives and have been through some incredibly tough times through recent years. Knowing this I couldn't sit and watch this happen without doing something to help. The care for Lily in the coming years is going to quickly roll up in to the many thousands, coupled with the uncertainty and ongoing scans and treatment for Sean's Oligodendroglioma (Oli for short - brain tumour for non-medics), all the help the family can receive is greatly appreciated. Therefore, I have decided to combine a challenge with Sean and my shared love for football together, to raise as much money as possible for the family and to raise awareness about this terrible disease. This will help push for screening to reduce the chances of this happening to other young babies and children and if found to have the disease, allow for pre-symptomatic treatment to begin as soon as possible, prolonging a life without symptoms.

On the 29th March 2025, I will be embarking on a walk of just over 190 miles, in 7 and a half days, between the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth to the top of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and all the Premier League grounds including Wembley in between. Sean has requested I try to conquer my fear of heights and finish the journey by walking to the top of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Some call me foolish, but that was before the idea of this walk came along, however to make sure this is all worthwhile for both Lily and others in the future please, please donate anything you can.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and please remember that Lily's Light will forever burn bright x

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