A MULTIPLE Sclerosis sufferer from Rhoose is on the final stage of his walk-a-mile challenge in aid of Barry-based charity, Woody’s Lodge.

Retired police officer, Nigel Hughes, is supporting Woody’s Lodge which has joined forces with Newport-based St David’s Hospice and Sully-based Ty Hafan children’s hospice in the fundraising challenge - 100 Miles (1609m). He began the challenge in May and has 315 metres to go.

The 62-year-old dad-of-one and former traffic motorcyclist and instructor wanted to support the charity that he uses.

Woody’s Lodge, in Amelia Trust Farm, Five Mile Lane, is a social hub which guides veterans to the help and support they need to re-engage with their families and communities. Mr Hughes was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in Llandough Hospital, and then the University Hospital of Wales, in 2012.

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Wife, Karen Hughes said: “He is doing well and determined to finish. He has had a large kidney stone treated on his right side this year and is now waiting to have another large stone on the left treated so he does have considerable pain still in his back each day. Our days are completely dictated by when Nigel does his walk.

“Seeing Nigel when a donation comes in or we get the amazing comments of support and encouragement makes it all worth it. Nigel is really looking forward to being able to go back to Woody’s which he hopes to do when he finishes his challenge or maybe we can try and do his last walk for them at the Woody’s base? Seeing Nigel struggle to just walk a few steps each day now scares me about what the future holds for us. We know he won’t get better and his condition will continue to progress, but we will all keep supporting each other and this challenge will be an amazing thing to look back on.

“Nigel can still feel proud that he is still able to help others. There are days when he just feels so frustrated and useless, but then there are moments when I can see how proud he is of his career and his achievements in his life - and that is why it is always good to keep trying. Doing one thing each day, however small it might seem, is an achievement.”

To support, see Instagram – helpinghand1333; and Twitter – helpinghand1333; or visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KarenHughes43