FRIENDS and family have rallied to show their support to a beloved mum-of-two who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
After Debbie Ainsworth, from Haresfinch, was told the devastating news that she had MND a few months ago, lifelong friend Ste Toole, 46, wanted to show his support.
READ > Teens up for national bravery award after rescuing pensioner who was kicked into River Mersey
After floating the idea of a walk to Southport in aid of the loving wife and mum of two grown-up sons, David and Matthew, friends rallied.
Around 20 took on the eight-hour trek, starting at The Woodlands pub in Haresfinch on Saturday morning, September 25, and finishing up at Carlton bar in Southport.
On the road
On the road
On the road
"I have known Debbie for more than 40 years and we just decided we wanted to do something to help her," said Ste.
"She got diagnosed in the past few months and is in the early stages. It is such a shame, it is a horrible disease.
"We just wanted to do something, we have got a WhatsApp group with friends of ours and Debbie's and I put it to them, did they fancy doing this walk and they all jumped into it.
"I spoke to her sons about us doing it and they were made up."
Ex-rugby league player Lee Briers on the walk
On the road
On the road
Ste said there was a great feeling of camaraderie and emotion among those who took on the route.
He added: "There was about 20 of us who did the walk. We started from the Woodlands at about 9am and we got into Southport at about 5pm.
"We took a couple of buckets and collected money along the way, there were people stopping us every couple of minutes to donate.
"We thought it would be nice for Debbie to meet us back at the Woodlands but she said she wanted to go and meet us in Southport, so we met her there."
"It was a good day and it was emotional," said Ste.
"All ages did it from 19 to 60s."
Debbie was at the finishing mark to greet them
A fundraising page has already smashed its target and is still live for people to donate to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, while the cash collected from the day will go to help Debbie and her family.
Final stop: At the Carlton bar in Southport
"They are going to need things like a wheelchair and other practical things so we are going to give them the cash," added Ste.
"All of the cash we raised on the day, we are giving it to the family."
- Donate to the page on bit.ly/3APjPAm .
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel