INTERVIEW: Morecambe dad's brave 10km challenge in tribute to son

Tuesday, 26 July 2022 11:04

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

A determined Morecambe dad intends to overcome serious health issues to complete a 10km challenge in memory of his son.

Graham Jackson, who has Motor Neurone Disease, will lead walkers on Morecambe Promenade this Sunday afternoon (July 31) in a charity challenge in tribute to his late son Tony.

Graham will take on a 5km distance using a specially-adapted four wheeled bicycle, then intends to complete another 5km using an exercise bike at the finishing line near the Eric Morecambe Statue.

The Morecambe man is taking on this challenge to raise funds for a Motor Neurone Disease (MND) charity after an incredibly difficult few years for himself and his family.

LISTEN to our interview with Graham Jackson here:

Graham was diagnosed with MND, which damages the nervous system causing muscle weakness, in 2018.

He has progressive muscular atrophy, meaning the nervous system from the brain to the muscles doesn't work as it should, causing the muscles to fade away.

In 2020, Graham was also diagnosed with prostate cancer.

He had treatment and has now beaten the disease.

But in 2021, came another devastating blow.

Graham's son Tony died, aged 47, after suffering a brain bleed following a fall at his home.

Before his death, Tony had wanted to organise a fundraiser for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, which has been a huge support to Graham and his family.

So Graham has decided to take on a fundraising challenge himself as a tribute to his son.

The determined dad has already overcome health problems in his early life, after losing his right leg in a motorcycle accident at the age of 17.

He is unable to walk the distance but has not let that stop him from taking part.

Graham will be using a specially adapted four-wheeled bicycle, supplied by the Wheels For All charity, to lead around 200 walkers who will be taking part to support him.

Tony's girlfriend Julie will also be taking part, along with many of Graham's friends from around the country.

His son Mark, who lives in Australia, will be doing his own walking challenge in Brisbane at the same time, making it an international event.

A total of £3,100 has been raised already, and Graham hopes to double that with further donations.

The walk starts at the Midland Hotel in Morecambe on Sunday at noon.

Walkers will take a route along the Promenade to Broadway and then back to the Eric statue to finish.

Anyone is welcome to take part.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

You can donate money at Graham's Justgiving page here.