A CHARITY champion is to arrive in Prestatyn today (Sunday) as part of a massive challenge to raise money for a good cause.

Fundraiser Ryan Bateman run the entire length of Offa’s Dyke for charity - encompassing five days and more than 177 miles.

Ryan, from Dyserth, has taken on the epic challenge to raise money for the North East Wales Branch of the MND Association after his mum, Sarah was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year.  

MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It can affect a person’s ability to walk, talk, eat and ultimately to breathe.

A third of people die within a year of diagnosis and half within two years. There is currently no effective treatment and no cure.   

To date, Ryan has raised more than £10,000. To learn more about Ryan’s challenge or to donate visit www.justgiving.com/page/ryan-bateman-1716636820538

For more information about MND and the work of the MND Association in Wales please visit www.mndassociation.org

Ryan said that although he knew the challenge would be tough, with elevations of around 9,000 metres in parts, he was determined to complete to raise as much money and awareness of the disease as possible.

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Ryan Bateman, who will complete his challenge in Prestatyn on SundayRyan Bateman, who will complete his challenge in Prestatyn on Sunday (Image: MND Association)

He explained: “MND has already had a huge impact on Mum’s life. She has lost her independence completely and it has been heartbreaking to see. She has been inspirational in the way she has handled her diagnosis. 

“I’ve been inspired by Kevin Sinfield and Russell Cook, the Hardest Geezer who ran the length of Africa and I wanted to do something that would be challenging. 

"I started in Chepstow on Wednesday and will be arriving in Prestatyn on Sunday, running on average 12 hours a day. 

“The MND Association is a cause which is very close to my heart, and I want to do everything possible to support them.”