Determined family rethinks cancelled charity event to raise £1,500 for MS Society

It was a special moment when Julia Chard, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for nearly 30 years, joined her family at the finishing line of their charity feat.
By Julia Bennett
Published 5th Oct 2020, 15:45 BST
Julia Chard with daughters Catherine Spencer and Sarah Stead and Julias husband, David.Julia Chard with daughters Catherine Spencer and Sarah Stead and Julias husband, David.
Julia Chard with daughters Catherine Spencer and Sarah Stead and Julias husband, David.

Julia’s daughters Sarah Stead and Catherine Spencer were determined to complete their challenge with Julia’s husband David after the coronavirus pandemic put paid to their original

fund-raising plans.

The trio had planned to take part in an organised walk in Manchester to raise money for the MS Society, but when the event was cancelled, they decided to plough on with their own Fylde

Five Pier Challenge.

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And, despite not being able to walk unaided, Julia joined her family to cross the finish line together.

Julia, 64, from Thornton, said: “It was quite emotional to finish together. It was lovely.”

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a range of symptoms including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.

Julia, who worked for the civil service and in the NHS before retiring this summer, explained her symptoms began with a tingling sensation.

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She said: “It started with tingles at the beginning, then an electric shock feeling.

“I saw a doctor who thought I had MS and he referred me to a neurological consultant.

“I suffer from tiredness and fatigue. I’m prone to tripping and I’m not able to walk on my own.

“But I just try and get on with it.”

David, Sarah, 27, and Catherine, 29, raised around £1,500 following their 14-mile walk from St Annes to Fleetwood, taking in St Annes, Blackpool South, Central, and North piers and the site of the former Fleetwood pier.

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David, 63, said: “We had a fabulous day out and were thrilled to raise so much money for this cause which is so close to our hearts.

“We were thrilled that, despite her difficulties, Julia was able to join us for the final push to what remains of Fleetwood Pier.”

The MS Society has launched its latest fund-raising campaign – 100K Your Way – that asks people to run, walk or cycle 100k.

Sign up at www.mssociety.org.uk/100kyourway

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/SSteadFylde5

Related topics:ManchesterFleetwoodNHSThornton

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