A MULTIPLE Sclerosis sufferer has successfully completed his walk-a-mile challenge in aid of Barry-based charity, Woody’s Lodge.

Retired police officer, Nigel Hughes completed his charity effort one day ahead of his 100-day target – three months after he began in May this year.

Mr Hughes, 62, is also supporting Newport-based St David's Hospice and Sully-based Ty Hafan children’s hospice.

The dad-of-one, of Rhoose, a former traffic motorcyclist and instructor, wanted to get support the charity that he uses and now the family is continuing their efforts to hit the £10k fundraising target.

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.

MORE STORIES

Vale MS sufferer Nigel Hughes nears Woody's Lodge 'walk a mile' fundraising goal

Veterans advice service for Vale ex-service personnel during coronavirus crisis

Centre named after Paul Woodland moves from Sully site to Barry

Mr Hughes played rugby for Bargoed in 1979 and was with the Newport Rugby team in the early 80s.

But in 2012 he was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in Llandough Hospital, and then the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff.

His wife Karen said: “On day 99 Nigel final reached his target to walk one mile and it was his toughest walk yet.

“I don’t think any of us quite realised what an effort it would be for him to walk just one mile when we started this challenge over three months ago, but before long it became part of our normal daily routine.

“We couldn’t do anything or go anywhere until Nigel had done his walk.

“For me that was just part of looking after Nigel but for Tabitha our teenage daughter it was quite a sacrifice even though she is used to helping me out and caring for her dad with every day needs, but she did it happily to see him achieve his goal.

“His final walk of 33 metres was the most difficult of all.

“Normally Nigel thrives with an audience but I think the Guard of Honour organised by Rod Poulter from The Rifles, as well as the police presence and so many veterans and volunteers from Woody’s Lodge, made the occasion so emotional and overwhelming on the day; not to mention the heat.

“The feeling of achievement he felt afterwards though was plain to see and made it all so very worthwhile for all of us.

“We were proud of him before, but his determination is even more obvious seeing him struggling not only with his physical difficulties but his mental health too.

“The frustration he lives with daily must be excruciating.”

She added: “He is still short of reaching his funding target of £10k so I am now taking on the challenge for him and tasking myself to do various fitness challenges that anyone wants to give me.

“I might also nominate someone to do what I do each day.

“This challenge has made us realise what can be achieved if you are determined to do it.

“Faced with a progressive form of MS that is taking away his ability to move, Nigel has shown us all what real determination is.

“Fatigue is as debilitating as physically not being able to co-ordinate your body and some days Nigel just can’t move at all but even on his worse days he forced himself to do his walk because he didn’t want to let anyone down.

“He even put a pink wig on one day to get people to follow his struggle.

“I am glad so many people have been inspired by his walk, I certainly have been.

“Our health and fitness is the most precious thing we have so we should look after it.

“Woody’s Lodge supports people who have sacrificed their mental and physical health for us throughout their careers in the armed forces and emergency services so we are glad to be doing something to help such an amazing charity.

“I would like to thank everyone for their donations and support.

“It has been the most humbling experience knowing the support we have.”

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