A son who wants to raise money for a charity that has helped his dad fight an incurable disease is smashing his fundraising targets – before even stepping out on his epic walk.

PE teacher Lewis Smith, along with a group of friends, have raised nearly £7000 within a fortnight of launching their bid to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Lewis and ten others are planning to walk 120 miles in just 72 hours, setting off from his family’s Bromsgrove home on December 18 to hike to the MNDA head office in Northampton.

Lewis, 29, who lives in Wychbold, said he wanted a challenge that was ‘deserving of donations’ but also represented the journey the family had been on since his father Paul’s diagnosis in October 2019.

Much of the walk will be in the dark, with the group kitted out with hi viz jackets and head torches.

“The fact that when my dad was diagnosed there was a lot of searching in the darkness and feeling lost and alone, then the MND Association stepped in with its amazing supportive people to guide us through the real dark moments and give us help, support and advice.

“Since my dad’s diagnosis in October 2019 I have realised just how underfunded the fight against MND is. I have learned just how little is known about this disease that has no treatment and no cure.”

The group are due to finish their walk on December 21, Paul’s 61st birthday.

“My dad has been so incredible throughout all of this, he really is a fighter.”

“Our new target is £8000. We never thought we would've raised this much, it’s truly incredible.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone that has shared Facebook or Instagram posts and/or donated. They are the reason that people like my dad can keep hoping.”

The team of walkers is: Lewis, Adam Dyer, Nathan Poole, Brendon Barnett, Tomas Naven, Dan Swan, Dan Poole, Sam Guinivan, Joe Brooks, Alfie Bloomer (cousin) and Jake Bloomer (cousin).

To donate go to: https://www.justgiving.com/team/hikeforhope?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=team&utm_content=hikeforhope&utm_campaign=pfp-whatsapp&utm_term=da18061a801b49d1a7f5d99fa8c1eb30