17 October 2022 Fundraising

Susan Fletcher Watts and team in green shirts fundraising

Almost a year after being diagnosed with MND, keen hiker Susan Fletcher Watts set out to complete the 260 mile Pennine Way. Four weeks later, with the support of 184 people, Association trustee Susan crossed the finishing line.

Her efforts, along with more fundraising at a thank you party afterwards, saw the total raised for the MND Association topping £80,000.

Susan used the mantra ‘Walking the Positive Path’, to push her through the endeavour. She said:

“What a fantastic, legendary, life-enhancing experience it was. Everybody was there for each other. Every donation was a collective win; every day walked a joint triumph. For me personally it has been so uplifting and has given me a sense that every day of life is worth living for, however close the horizon. I want to do my bit to contribute to funding research for a cure so that our children’s generation do not need to know motor neurone disease as a terminal illness.”

You can see the highlights of Susan and her team’s journey on Facebook and Instagram and also donate to Susan’s JustGiving page.

After the fundraising party Susan said:

“The party was the sparkly icing on top of my favourite cake. It was so lovely to meet up with all my walking friends again, and reminisce about our adventures, sore feet, and bunkhouses. I was even able to demo my new “Quickie” electric neuro wheelchair which had just arrived.”

Regional Fundraiser Amanda Devlin said:

“Susan is inspirational. Not only does she fundraise with a mission, she’s a constant source of positivity, full of new ideas.”

Susan brings direct experience of living with MND to her position on the Board of Trustees, particularly with respect to making life as positive as possible.

“I want to do my bit to further the excellent work of the MND Association. It is such a good foundation from which to campaign, and I would like to add my ‘voice’ to that. Having taken early retirement at the end of July 2022, I would like to use my time purposefully and I can think of no better way than assisting the MND Association.”