THE North East's best-known television presenters will traverse a Northumberland landmark to support a former colleague diagnosed with an incurable disease.
Some of the region's well-known TV presenters, past and present, will travel along Hadrian's Wall in June.
Andrew Hartley, 63, a former news correspondent on the BBC regional news show, Look North, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in December.
He was diagnosed with the terminal disease, which damages the nerves which take messages to the muscles, after undergoing tests at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.
Approximately 50 staff from the BBC’s newsrooms across the region will take part in the relay. They include a host of familiar faces from Look North through the years, including former presenter Jeff Brown, who is a patron of the North East branch of the MND Association.
Andrew said: “I thought it might be something relatively benign like carpal tunnel syndrome or that it might have been caused by excessive cycling.
“In September, after the symptoms had worsened slightly, I saw my GP. She noticed fasciculations in my shoulders and referred me to see a neurologist. After an examination, he told me in late September it was ‘highly likely’ I had MND. After tests he concluded there was no other plausible explanation for my symptoms.
“Since the diagnosis, my symptoms have progressed a little, particularly in my hands, and I sometimes struggle with basic tasks like turning keys, stiff zips, lifting and so on. The specialist physiotherapist has noticed some weakness in my quads and arms.
"But, for the time being, I am still able to crack on with my life and still exercise every day - mainly cycling but also swimming and running. I’m just a little bit slower now," he added.
He wanted to fundraise for the MND Association and decided to complete a relay along the entire length of Hadrian’s Wall.
"We asked for volunteers and more than 50 people have signed up. Friends and family are also joining in so we are now busy putting names to each of the 16 sections. I’ll be forever grateful to them.”
Six people are diagnosed daily with MND. It affects 5,000 people in the UK at any one time. People with MND can lose their voice, and it affects people’s ability to move, eat and breathe.
Andrew said: “Just a few days after being diagnosed I saw the rugby player Lewis Moody being interviewed. I was so impressed with him. He was incredibly articulate about how he was processing his own diagnosis which I thought was incredible.
“In April, I’m going to be my brother’s best man and I’m very much looking forward to giving my best man’s speech, something I wasn’t sure would be possible when I was first diagnosed.
“I remain positive and determined. I believe the progression of my MND is slow and I continue to crack on as best I can.”
For more information about Andrew’s challenge or to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/page/hadrianswallrelay
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