Motor neurone disease fundraiser's 150-mile run after losing friend

Steven Carter lost his friend, David Hodkinson, in March this year after a three-year battle with the disease.

Just four months on, Steven heard about the Motor Neurone Disease Association ‘August Challenge’, which involves running 60 miles over the course of the month.

But Steven decided to double the distance to 120 miles, which is the same as from his home to Blackpool, where he and David loved to go for nights out. 

He's already raised more than £1,600 through his Facebook event page.

Friends Steven Carter and David Hodkinson doing what they do best (Image: Steven Carter)

What’s more, the 45-year-old has had 13 knee operations after playing football for Lostock, Barnton and Witton for many years, and isn’t even meant to be running at all.  

Steven said his friend David’s upbeat attitude to the very end was a real source of inspiration for the challenge.

He said: “The time since David’s passing has been more positive than anything else.

“We had quite a long time to get used to the idea, and he was very religious. He was training to be a vicar at Northwich Church.  

"I think he was pretty much ready to go.

“The MND challenge is 60 miles in August, but I decided to do 120, as that’s the distance from here to Blackpool and back, where me, David and a bunch of mates used to go all the time for nights out.

“I really didn’t expect to get the response I did, and its spurred me on to up the target. I think it's going to be 150 miles now. I've really got the bug, and I’ve just started hammering it.

“I struggle with injuries, so my joints are aching a bit. I’ve got no cartilage in my knees now, and I’ve had a replacement anterior cruciate ligament in the right one.

“I’m a dogwalker by trade, so I’m walking all day and running at night. 

“I know it’s a big commitment, but I just want to raise some money for MND if I’m honest."

Steven Carter out clocking-up the miles (Image: Steven Carter)

Last year, David nominated Steven for a GB News People’s Champion award for all the help he gave him with things like shopping and getting him out to the pub.

The pair appeared on TV together in a heartfelt and moving interview with Eamon Holmes, who said the show would treat them to a meal next time they were in Blackpool.

Steven added: "David loved Blackpool. He left some money in his will for us to have a memorial weekend there, and we finally did it last weekend."

Steven can be contacted directly through Facebook for PayPal and cash donations.