Hadrian's Wall relay raises thousands
BBC/CAROLINE BRIGGSOver the course of three days more than 120 people have walked the length of Hadrian's Wall to raise money for the Motor Neuron Disease Association.
The fundraiser was organised by former BBC correspondent Andrew Hartley and has currently raised over £27,000 for the charity.
Hartley, who was diagnosed with the disease in December, said: "My battle is as much about my mental health as it is my physical health and I wanted to get some positivity out of a terrible diagnosis."
Groups of walkers tackled the trek in a relay along the entire 70-mile Roman wall, beginning in Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria on Friday and finishing at Segedunum in Wallsend on Sunday.
The journalist, who worked for the BBC in various roles across the North East for more than 30 years, was joined by family, friends and former co-workers for the walk.
He said: "It's been overwhelmingly positive, nothing but positive vibes I'm so thrilled and I must thank the amazing people who walked 15 miles overnight."
During the three day trek members of the group stopped after different locations along Hadrian's Wall handing off a baton to the next set of walkers.
Daughter Kristen Hartley said: "When a loved one gets a diagnosis like this can be very isolating and lonely, but the spirit of this walk has been incredible.
"It has given us confidence that we have the support of loads of people, friends, family and co-workers, over the course of this journey."
The funds raised for MND Association will go towards supporting people living with the disease and also funding research into finding a cure.
"This is my little gift to the association and hopefully some good will come from the money raised, because this weekend has really meant a lot," Hartley said.
