A NEWCASTLE man will take on a Cumbrian fundraising walk in memory of his cousin who tragically passed away from Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

37-year-old Philip Thompson is taking on the Coniston to Barrow walk this weekend.

Philip’s cousin Paul Coulston was just 40 when he died from the disease.

Mr Coulston, who lived at Birkrigg Park, Ulverston, was diagnosed with the muscle-wasting illness in April 2012, three years after his wife Clare had been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.

He was once deputy head teacher at St George’s School in Barrow.

Mr and Mrs Coulston were honoured with a Heart of Ulverston award as well as a Love Barrow Award for their courage.

This year is the second time that Philip will walk the Coniston to Barrow event. He will be raising money for a Furness MND group.

Philip was almost unable to attend due to train strikes but has managed to gain a lift from someone who is also doing the Coniston to Barrow.

“I’m raising money for Furness Motor Neurone Disease,” said Philip. “I lost my cousin to MND in 2015.

“When I first got told he had MND I hadn’t of heard of it, then I got told and dropped my phone in shock.

“There’s no cure or even a drug to help ease the pain they are in.

“Imagine having your family or friends around and you can’t join in and are stuck in a wheelchair not being able to move or talk.

“My aim is to help raise awareness of MND and help find a cure for this awful disease.”

The Coniston to Barrow and Keswick to Barrow event will take place this Saturday, May 13.

If you would like to donate to Philip’s cause, you can visit his fundraising page at: https://keswick2barrow.co.uk/donate/193309?cid2=193309