A Berkhamsted man with multiple sclerosis (MS) who completed a challenge to walk for one hour raised more than £5,000 for his local therapy centre.
Patrick Burke, 66, of Cowper Road, can barely walk because of his severe MS – MS affects messages from the brain going to the legs, meaning Patrick has chronic muscle fatigue and poor balance.
He has to focus the whole of his attention on just lifting up one leg and putting it in front of the other.
But the determined resident defied the disease by walking for a full hour using his rollator on Sunday, September 13 to raise funds for the Chilterns MS Centre.
It was no easy feat – Patrick had to train for months leading up to the day in order to complete the challenge.
He explained: “I am thrilled that I have proved to myself that I can walk for an hour.
“Way back in June, when I started practising, I could only manage 15 minutes, so this really has been a big personal achievement and it is something I will remember for a long time.
“Equally pleasing is the amount I raised for the Chilterns MS Centre – this far exceeded my expectations. I would also like to thank Amy, Sharon and Lou from the centre, who helped me on the day. I did ache the next morning, but everything was for a very worthwhile cause.”
Sharon Cooper, Head of Fundraising at the Centre, said: “We appreciate everyone who takes on a fundraising activity in support of the Chilterns MS Centre, but its extra special when someone like Patrick takes on a physical challenge.
“He took on his almighty challenge of walking for one hour, something he has never been able to achieve until today.
“To see him power through, with grit and determination, was incredibly inspiring. The money he raised will help us to continue providing expert therapies and support for people like Patrick.
“We’re very grateful to Patrick, his family and friends for their generosity at this challenging time. It was a privilege to be there with you.”
You can still donate to Patrick’s fundraising page by going to justgiving.com/fundraising/walk4onehour.
Picture credit: Steve Cook at Swale Photography
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