A FIREFIGHTER is to take on a gruelling 500km challenge in support of her father who was recently diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Beth Parry-Evans, a watch manager at Littlehampton Fire Station and retained firefighter based at Shoreham, is preparing to complete 500km of exercise between June 1 and June 30 to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

She will be running, hiking, rowing and cycling throughout the month as she aims to raise £5,000 for the charity.

Her father Mike was diagnosed with the condition in August at the age of 75, and Beth said this had spurred her on to find a way of supporting the charity that will hopefully one day find a cure.

She said: “I am planning lots of different activities to take the pressure off different muscle groups, but it is going to be an intense month.

“It’s a disease with little recognition, and when the diagnosis came last year, it was a shock. We know that it is too late for our family, but hopefully in the very near future there will eventually be a cure for this disease so that no-one else has to suffer the effects of motor neurone disease.

“I can’t change the diagnosis, and I can’t find a cure. All I can do is push myself and inspire people to support my fundraising so that charities like MNDA can continue researching for a cure.”

Beth has drawn up a gruelling schedule to help her meet her goal, including a 46km cycle to and from work, the Hove Park Run and a hike from Seaford along the Seven Sisters to Eastbourne.

She is also planning to carry out a cycle tour of the service's fire stations at East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and Shoreham.

But this fundraiser is just the warm-up for her as she prepares to cycle the length of Britain from John O’Groats in Scotland to Land’s End in Cornwall later this summer.

Chief Fire Officer, Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, said: “What Beth is planning to do is nothing short of inspirational.

“Taking a terribly difficult situation and trying to create something good out of it takes real strength. I think there are times when we could all channel a little of this approach in our lives when things become difficult.

“I wish Beth the very best of luck. I know that June is going to be an incredibly draining month for her – both physically and emotionally - but we will be backing her all the way.”

Beth is encouraging people to take part in her planned activities – you can find out more on her planned schedule here: https://twitter.com/betharoonie75

You can support her fundraising here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/beth-parry-evans