Half way around the world for Hannah

'Half Way Around the World for Hannah' is our ambitious new online community fundraising initiative. Join us in raising crucial funds for the MND Association and for our courageous friend Hannah Deakin who is battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND). As Hannah copes with this relentless condition, we hope that together we can raise awareness and lend support to Hannah and her family.

Hannah’s daily life with MND

32-year-old Hannah battles against the unrelenting force of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Every day, she confronts challenges that most can't fathom, supported by her caring husband Ollie, her Mum Jan, her loving family and their sweet 3-year-old daughter, Delilah.

Hannah's journey is marked not only by the physical toll of MND but by the emotional and logistical hurdles that accompany it. Her husband Ollie has put his career as a chef on hold and now navigates the complexities of caregiving, having no choice but to adapt to a life reshaped by this diagnosis.

How does ‘Half way around the world for Hannah’ work?

This unique project invites participants from far and wide to cover a distance through their chosen endurance sport, be it biking, hiking, running, swimming, ski touring etc...

Every step, stroke, or pedal you make brings us closer to making a meaningful impact in Hannah's life - raising proceeds for the MND association (50%) and also offering financial support for Hannah’s medical journey and the future of her young family.

Hannah will soon need a new vehicle to suit her needs and support her care going forward, and as a family they now need a car which is specially adapted for Hannah’s mobility needs. The funds we raise will go towards these costly items, which are now essential for Hannah’s day to day life.

Your contribution, no matter how small, will drive our collective mission, so please join us as we come together to show that distance is no obstacle when hearts unite.

Our goal - the distance (20,000km!)

As we strive towards our goal, the cumulative distances covered by participants will be mapped out and bridge the 20,000km geographic gap across the world.

Beginning in Monmouthshire, UK (where Hannah lives) we aim to (symbolically) reach New Zealand by 1st October this year. Hannah and Ollie travelled to New Zealand together in recent years, so we figured this a good destination for our collective travels.

'Half Way Around the World for Hannah' is not just a physical feat for all of us; it's a testament to the strength of community and a commitment to making a positive change, both directly to Hannah and to the broader MND community.

So, lace up your shoes, grab your bike, or dive into the challenge – let's make every step count for Hannah and for hope.

HOW TO TAKE PART (follow this simple step-by-step):

1. Create your own goal and fundraising blurb:

(Use this template if you wish)

"I pledge to cover a distance of .... kms towards the fundraiser 'Half Way Around the world for Hannah' between 20th April 2024 and 20th October 2024. Please encourage me in my efforts by contributing whatever you can to this worthwhile cause, where you can make a significant difference to Hannah's life and all those suffering with Motor Neurone disease. Your help is hugely appreciated.

For more details on Hannah and her story, and how to donate, please click here."

2. STRAVA

a. Download the Strava app

b. In 'Home' tab, search for 'Lis Bickford' and request to 'follow'.

https://strava.app.link/9VDCTmwukIb

c. Once Lis has accepted your request, she will invite you to the CHALLENGE!

d. Go to 'Groups' tab. In 'Clubs', search for ‘Half way around the world for Hannah’. Click 'JOIN CLUB'.

e. When you're ready to go your distance, go to 'RECORD' tab, to log your kms and they will be automatically added to the challenge. Ensure you have selected your activity.

(Essentially, the CLUB is where information/chats are shared and the CHALLENGE is where your all-important kilometres are clocked! So you MUST do BOTH!)

3. Fundraise

Encourage friends/colleagues/family to sponsor you for your efforts by sharing the link to this gofundme.com page.

It is essential to follow the process above to get Hannah half way around the world!

https://strava.app.link/9VDCTmwukIb