A WOMAN whose mother died of motor neurone disease will be pushing her friend 50 miles in a wheelchair to help fund vital work.

Jill Anderson became a volunteer at the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) after her mum died 12 years ago.

While volunteering at MNDA, she met Lesley Mates who had just been diagnosed with the disease, around 18 months ago.

The pair, who are both from Brighton, instantly became friends and have now begun raising money for MNDA.

“We hit it off immediately,” said Jill.

“Being of similar age and having so much in common, we always joke that when we get together, we never come up for breath.

“Talking with Lesley, seeing her, doing things with her, inspired me to see fundraising differently.

"Instead of raising money simply for people with motor neurone disease, why not raise money with people with it?

The Argus: Jill and LesleyJill and Lesley

“The need for meaning, goals and purpose doesn’t disappear through illness - if anything, it’s more important for that person to feel included.”

Push for MND is an initiative created by Jill. It will see her push Leslie 50 miles throughout July across various flat areas in Sussex.

The duo are encouraging others affected by motor neurone disease to get involved, “even if it’s just for a cuppa along the way”.

Motor neurone disease is a condition that causes the brain and nerves to weaken over time.

It leads to slurred speech, muscle twitches and cramps, weight loss and difficulty stopping crying or laughing in inappropriate situations.

It usually affects people in the 60s and 70s. There is no cure, and it eventually leads to death.

MNDA helps people to live with the condition and offers support to people who are affected by it.

A handful of high-profile celebrities have experienced motor neurone disease, most notably Professor Stephen Hawking.

Sports stars have been working hard in recent years to spread the word about the disease, including Rob Burrow MBE, former rugby league player for Leeds Rhinos.

He recently completed the Leeds 10-kilometre run, being pushed along the track in a specialist wheelchair by former teammate Kevin Sinfield.

People can donate to Jill and Lesley's cause here.