Businesses urged to show their support for Billy as he prepares for 9,000-mile walk around Australia

A 25-year-old man from Glossop is calling on businesses across the region to give him a helping hand as he prepares to walk almost 9,000 miles around Australia while pushing a wheelchair.

On January 2, 2025, Billy Whiston will set off from the Sydney Opera House on the challenge of a lifetime to help raise awareness of the challenges faced by people affected by motor neurone disease (MND), as well as raising vital funds for MND charities which will help fuel research into the development of potential new treatments. But before he goes, Billy is urging local businesses to show their support through sponsorship.

Billy explained: “In April 2024 I was sat in the front room of my family home watching rugby with my dad. 

“During the halftime interval, my mum came in and was talking about the actor who plays Paul, a character who was diagnosed with MND on Coronation Street, and how well he portrayed the illness. 

“This led to further conversation about Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir, both former rugby players who lived with MND and how this must have been for them and their families. I had thought prior to this of doing a challenge in Australia and mentioned that I could do something for MND, such as walk around Australia while pushing a wheelchair, to which my mum said, ‘Do it then,’ which is where this idea was born.”

The incredible challenge will see Billy walk through some of the continent’s most famous cities including Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, walking an average of 24.7 miles every day with no days off. He expects to complete the challenge in Sydney by December 31. The money raised will be split between the MND Association and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. A separate fund will raise money for MND charities in Australia.

Billy said: “Although MND has not impacted myself or any of my family members, I am aware there is currently no cure, and this could happen to anyone at any time. The effects on both the individual with the disease and their families are devastating, therefore, there is no better cause for which to raise money.    

“It would be great to receive support from businesses to help provide materials needed for the challenge. This will include a small team consisting of drivers and videographers to help record the journey and release constant updates for those following the challenge, a vehicle, food, suitable clothing and footwear.

“Any assistance from any business with this, no matter how big or small will be greatly appreciated. All sponsorship given will go towards raising a significant amount of money for all charities involved and help the fight against this horrific disease.”

The MND Association’s Regional Fundraiser for the North West, Alistair Laing said: “We couldn’t be more grateful to Billy for everything he is doing to raise money for the Association and other MND charities in the UK and Australia. 

“For people living with MND their families challenges really do mean the world and offer us the chance to invest in more research into potential new treatments for this devastating disease.

“Everyone at the MND Association wishes Billy the very best of luck – we’ll be behind you every step of the way.”

Paul Thompson, Director of Fundraising and Communications at My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, said: "Billy’s challenge is nothing short of incredible, and the funds and awareness it will raise will make a difference. 

“Billy is motivated to take this on without any direct experience of or connection to the MND community, and that demonstrates how far our message has travelled and how important our cause has become to people. Selfless dedication like Billy’s will help drive us all forward."

Anyone who may be able to help can contact Billy at whistysworld@hotmail.com. 

To make a donation visit donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/australia-wheelchair-walk-for-mnd and to learn more about the work of the MND Association visit www.mndassociation.org