Hayden Sykes, of Clayton, completes MND charity challenge

Hayden Sykes, 29, of Clayton, braved the elements as he tackled 10 miles per day for 10 consecutive days for motor neurone disease (MND).

He is raising money for MND charities due to his mother’s partner’s diagnosis of the condition earlier this year.

He has smashed his initial £600 target, raising more than £1,300 to date. He says after a break he will start planning his next challenge in aid of MND charities, which he will complete next year.

Hayden Sykes, pictured with his partner Rhianna Finch, has tackled a running challenge for MND charities (Image: Hayden Sykes)

He juggled completing the daily running challenges with his work as a sports coach at Russell Hall Primary School in Queensbury. He tackled the 10-mile runs around Clayton and along parts of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

He began his challenge on December 5 and finished it on December 14.

Mr Sykes said: “My body is hurting a little bit after the runs. My legs are shot to pieces. I’m just dealing with body pain.

“I thought that I needed to raise some money, what could I do? I saw that the MND charity had a seven miles in seven days challenge. I thought I could do that.

“Doing this was straight off the cuff. I did one practice run for five miles before I started it.

“The support I have had has been brilliant. I have had support from family and friends and was even joined by an old pupil from a school that I worked at. It’s been great.

“I have received positive comments and people offering to help. It shows that there is a positive community around us.

“I’ll be doing another challenge next year.

“It’s a shock to see people who have MND deteriorate so quickly, it’s upsetting really.”

Mr Sykes has completed his 10-mile runs both outside and once inside on a treadmill.

On his GoFundMe page, he wrote: “Unfortunately due to the sudden changes and the shocking news we received as a family we are having to make several changes to our home and also lifestyle.

“I understand times are tough but anything from a pound will really make a difference.

“Thank you all for your support during this tough time for my family and also every other motor neurone sufferer.

“Love to all and live each day as it comes because who knows what's next.”

Go to gofundme.com/f/run-10-mile-for-10-days-for-mnd to make a donation or for more information.

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