More than 120 family & friends of Malcolm congregated on Plymouth Hoe on Friday 17th May to mark the first anniversary of him losing his brave battle with MND.
This was the culmination of The Coast to Coast Challenge a fun (and, for some, epic) 100 mile journey from Ilfracombe to Plymouth inspired by the escapades of comedian Tony Hawks in his latest book, Once Upon a Time in the West Country. It meant participants could travel from the beaches of North Devon where Malcolm loved to surf to the high seas of South Devon where he loved to sail.
Some brave souls walked the route over four days, some cycled it over one or two days and others, including Malcolm’s parents and sister, travelled by car. But all with the aim of getting to The Hoe by 4pm to raise a glass in his memory.
And what an emotional and poignant moment it was! All participants were awarded a medal to mark the occasion as they crossed the balloon festooned Finish Line and then treated to a cream tea washed down with champagne.
The Crystal Palace claret & blue colour scheme was adopted for the finish line banner, the medal ribbons, balloons and ticker tape confetti in honour of Malcolm’s beloved football team. He would have been chuffed.
Tales were exchanged well into the evening of some of the trials and tribulations encountered over the various journeys but all agreed that it was a fantastic occasion and a fitting way to remember our dear friend.
The primary purpose of the event was to mark the anniversary and help raise awareness about the devastating effects of MND but, through the sterling fundraising efforts of all the participants and some very generous donations, we have managed to raise over £20,000 for The Foundation which is a magnificent result.
The money is to be carefully invested by the Trustees into supporting research, respite care and equipment to assist all those suffering from this terrible disease.
