The City Against Motor Neurone Disease (“MND”) Network, a Group for those working in and around the City of London who have in some way been 'touched" by Motor Neurone Disease (MND) , yesterday evening welcomed supporter Thom Lant back to the City after his epic 300 mile walk in 15 days, re-enacting the historic Jarrow March to raise awareness of and funds for the MND Association. Supporters cheered him to the finish line at the Lamb Tavern in Leadenhall Market.
Starting in the North East on Monday 6th March Thom’s walk followed the route of the original 1936 March, passing through many of England’s major cities and towns including Darlington, Harrogate, Leeds, Barnsley, Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester, Northampton, Bedford, Luton, St Albans and finishing in London. The original March took 27 days, finishing on Monday 20th March.
“I wanted to do something to support all the great work my friend Dave Setters, who has MND, is doing through his City Against MND Network”, said Lant, previously a marketing and PR executive at CME Group, NASDAQ, and LME. “Dave works tirelessly to raise thousands for various charities and is an inspiration in so many ways.
“My grandfather, who served in Burma during World War 2, also had MND and I never got to meet him. The nature of the disease meant he lost his voice and died in silence, unable to say goodbye to his loved ones. That was in 1970. While there have been advances since, a diagnosis of MND remains, in effect, a death sentence. However, people say that MND isn’t incurable, it’s simply underfunded. I want to help put that right as well as improve care for those living with the disease which leaves people unable to use their limbs, to eat and speak and ultimately to breathe.”
“So many people are generously giving their time and money to support MND, yet there is so much more that can and needs to be done”, said Dave Setters, Founder of the City Against MND Network. “I am humbled by this fantastic effort which has galvanised the MND community who really appreciate the awareness Thom has raised. Staff and volunteers have joined him along the route as well. As people living with MND and their carers. Despite the devastating nature of the condition, we remain resilient and positive and an effort such as Thom’s is hugely appreciated as it will help to keep the need for better care and the all-important search for a cure in the public eye.”
Donations can be made on the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thom-lant
