Steve's journey on charity challenge (From This is Hampshire)
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Steve's journey on charity challenge
12:00am Monday 15th October 2012 in News
Steve's journey on charity challenge
HE has completed an inspirational journey in more ways than one.
With 20 of his workmates, Andover dad-of-two Steve Shand took part in a gruelling 58-mile walk from London’s Big Ben to Brighton to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
They were inspired to complete the two-day charity challenge after one of their British Airways colleagues was diagnosed with the devastating and incurable condition which can affect how people walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe.
But Steve also turned his life around to be able to take part, embarking on an intense exercise programme to get in shape.
With the team already raising around £30,000, and an additional £30,000 being donated by British Airways, Steve couldn’t be prouder of their combined efforts – and is still keen to attract extra sponsors.
“It was an emotional and challenging journey which has helped me focus on my real values, my health and an appreciation of all I have,”
said the 49-year-old shift manager.
“If we have collectively made a difference to help fight this dreadful disease then every blister, swollen foot and shin splint was worth it.”
Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive disease that attacks the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.
Starting his training in August, Steve says that watching the Olympics and Paralympics also inspired him to get involved.
“After reading about the personal struggles that many of these athletes went through to achieve their dreams, it made me realise it was time I did something .”
Venturing into unfamiliar territory, instructors at The Norton Park Hotel gym in Sutton Scotney devised a programme for Steve.
He was fitted with special trainers at the Up and Running shop in Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, and received lots of specialist advice from the staff there.
“At nearly 50 and over 19 stone, I was ashamed to be so fat and unfit. I just needed to get off the sofa and achieve something special.”
To sponsor Steve, visit justgiving.com/Stephen- Shand.
