On a windswept road in Deepdale near Patterdale, an 86-year-old man in a high-visibility vest pushes his walker steadily forward, braving the winter chill and the drizzle that often rolls through the Cumbrian hills. Richard Theobald isn’t just out for a stroll—he’s on a mission that has captured the hearts of his local community and, increasingly, supporters across the UK. His goal? To walk 100 miles this winter using his mobility aid, raising both funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) support in honor of his friend and colleague, Jonathan Soar.
Richard’s challenge began on October 17, 2025, and he plans to finish on February 28, 2026—his birthday. Each day, regardless of the weather, he covers up to two miles, aided by his trusty Trionic Walker and weatherproof clothing. The effort is anything but simple. Richard lives with osteoporosis and significant mobility impairment, but his determination is unwavering. "I am fundraising for a colleague and someone who has helped my trust over many years, who is suffering from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and I was very keen to do something meaningful to help," he told the Cumberland & Westmorland Herald.
Jonathan Soar, Richard’s fellow trustee at the Theo Trust charity, was diagnosed with MND in July 2024. The diagnosis came as a profound shock to Richard, who reflected, "It never occurred that someone like him could be struck down like this, yet one in every 300 people will get it." MND, a relentless and currently incurable condition, attacks the motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle weakness and, often, death within just two years of diagnosis. "It’s a process of such rapid decline that deeply affects families and friends, as I am experiencing," Richard added.
The MND Association, the beneficiary of Richard’s fundraising, provides vital support services for those living with the disease and their families. It also funds promising research in the hope of one day finding a cure. Richard is keenly aware of the importance of this research, noting, "The only way that MND research is going to be successful is if there is the funds to carry out the research and nowadays with the developments in AI there are huge opportunities to advance knowledge in this area." He dreams of the day when scientists might identify the crucial protein at the center of the disease and find a way to halt its progression.
Richard’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Local residents wave and offer words of encouragement as he makes his daily trek, and the quieter roads—thanks to the temporary closure of Kirkstone Pass—have made his journey a bit easier. The sense of community support is palpable. "I have received a lot of goodwill and support from local people who encourage me as I go down the road in my high vis," he shared with the Cumberland & Westmorland Herald.
But Richard is not alone in his quest to raise awareness and funds for MND. His inspiration, in part, comes from a much larger stage: the extraordinary fundraising efforts of Kevin Sinfield, the former Leeds Rhinos rugby league captain and current England Rugby Union coach. Sinfield, whose close friend and former teammate Rob Burrow battled MND, has become a national symbol of endurance, compassion, and sporting spirit in the fight against the disease.
According to Richmondshire Today, Sinfield recently completed a grueling week-long ultramarathon challenge, running distances equivalent to a marathon or more each day—often exceeding 40 kilometers—across the UK and Ireland. The event, which concluded at Headingley Stadium in Leeds on December 11, 2025, raised over £1 million for MND research. Supporters followed his progress online, donated generously, and joined him for sections of the run, including local runners, school groups, and athletics clubs. The outpouring of support was immense, with many cheering him on from the roadside or tracking his journey through daily route updates and live streams.
Sinfield’s challenge was as much about community as it was about athletic achievement. "His efforts continue to show how sport can bring people together in meaningful ways, from community road events to online environments where audiences track achievements, discuss outcomes and celebrate every milestone," noted Richmondshire Today. The final finish at Headingley held deep symbolic meaning, reflecting Sinfield’s long-standing loyalty to Leeds Rhinos and his personal connection to the region. The response has spread far beyond Yorkshire, too—a petition for Sinfield to be knighted has gathered more than 50,000 signatures, buoyed by public praise from Prince William.
The funds raised by Sinfield and his supporters are earmarked for research, care programs, and community support services for those affected by MND. The event underscored the power of physical endurance sports and digital engagement to unite people behind a common cause. As Joseth Davies, an industry analyst, pointed out, modern sport now encompasses not just physical participation but also digital engagement—opinion-sharing environments, prediction platforms, and online communities where fans connect over shared stories and outcomes.
Richard Theobald, inspired by Sinfield’s example, sees his own challenge as part of this broader tapestry. "I was impressed by how he added an extra mile to his marathons exclusively for MND sufferers, their family, helpers and friends, for them to join him in taking part," Richard said. The ripple effect of such high-profile campaigns is clear: they motivate others to act, whether by lacing up their shoes for a sponsored walk or making a donation from afar.
Despite the personal difficulties—his own mobility issues, the emotional weight of seeing a friend suffer, and the unpredictable winter weather—Richard finds joy and purpose in his daily walks. "I really enjoy it, it is good for me of course. I like a challenge, and a sponsored walk requires dedication. When you know someone personally who has this terrible disease, it has an effect on everyone, the family and everything else. That is why it is so important to try and give support," he reflected.
Both Richard and Sinfield’s stories illustrate the profound impact that individuals can have, regardless of age or circumstance, when they channel personal motivation into collective action. Their efforts serve as a reminder that the fight against MND is not just a medical or scientific battle, but a deeply human one—fought step by step, mile by mile, and carried forward by the bonds of friendship, community, and shared purpose.
For those wishing to support Richard’s journey, more information is available at the Theo Trust’s website. Every donation, every word of encouragement, and every shared story brings the world a little closer to a cure—and reminds us all that, even in the face of adversity, hope and determination can go a long way.
