TWO groups are set to walk up to Rodney's Pillar next weekend as they aim to top-up a local fundraiser in aid of a motor neurone disease (MND) charity.

Philippa Adams, and her son Crimmy Dean, have each organised groups to walk and run up to Rodney's Pillar, to support the fundraising efforts of Weston Lullingfields man, Neil Williams.

Neil was diagnosed with MND in 2019, and recently completed a walk up and down Snowdon and raised more than £10,000 for Motor Neurone Disease Association in doing so.

He had a large number of supporters who wanted to join him during his Snowdon climb, but the current Covid-19 restrictions meant only a handful of people could accompany Neil on his climb.

But inspired by Neil's efforts, Philippa and Crimmy are among those looking to take on their own challenge and add to the amount already raised.

Philippa explained: “Neil set his own challenge of walking up Snowdon with a team of people, which took place a few weeks ago now – he did it which we were really over the moon about.

“He was determined that he would walk back down as well, which he also did.

“There was a lot of people who wanted to go along with him to support him on the day, but with the current Covid situation, some people were unable to do that.

“What the family did say is that anyone who couldn’t be there on the day who wanted to support could choose a hill to walk up and take some photographs and support Neil in that way.

“So that is what we’re doing – I have chosen Rodney’s Pillar.”

Neil, and his wife Joanna, initially set a target of £1,500 to be raised through their online fundraiser, but the amount has now surpassed £10,300.

With a large number of people hoping to show their support through their own climbs, Philippa hopes more money will be added to the grand total.

Two of Philippa's friends will be helping to raise funds by participating in the climb in memory of their father, who died after he was diagnosed with MND.

Phillipa added: “Neil is a very impressive person.

“They’re such a strong family and Neil’s positivity and determination is outstanding.

“The end goal by raising money for these charities is to help as many people as possible who are affected by this condition to live as normal a life as possible.”

Money can still be donated to the online fundraising page set up by Neil and Joanna at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/neilssnowdonwalk1