A West Belfast man is planning to walk 5k a day for 50 days in support of deterMND, the charity established on behalf of Antrim and St Paul's GAA legend Anto Finnegan.
Gerard Mulhern has decided to take on the marathon effort ahead of his 50th birthday on October 24.
The '50 to 50 Challenge' will see Gerard do 50 consecutive walks of 5k or more, and it all strides into action this Friday.
"All proceeds will go to MND Association NI in support of deterMND," said Gerard, who many sports fans will recognise as part-time betting tipster Punters Guide.
"The challenge begins this Friday and will continue for 50 straight days.
"It will mainly be walks, but I might throw in a few runs as well.
"The aim is to raise as much money as possible over the next seven weeks for deterMND."
Former Antrim GAA captain Finnegan continues to fight his own battle with motor neurone disease after being diagnosed in August 2012.
The deterMND charity was established on his behalf, and aims to raise much-needed funds and awareness.
"As people know Anto Finnegan is the driving force behind deterMND and all proceeds will go to MND Association NI," Gerard added.
"I have two very close friends who lost their mothers this year to this horrible disease, and fundraising for the charity has also taken a massive hit with the Covid-19 pandemic."
Gerard will be posting daily updates of his challenge, and announcing weekly routes where the walks are taking place.
"Our message is simple: Support Us, Get Involved and Take Part," he added.
"Local legends Jim McIlwaine and Marty McKiernan are a massive driving force behind the scenes.
"We are urging everyone to try and join in on the walks when you can. Walking and talking are great for clearing the head and improving your mental health."
As well as the 50 to 50 Challenge, Gerard is also organising a charity soccer match next month.
The MND Cup final will be played at Solitude on Sunday, October 25 where a PG Media XI will take on a Marty McKiernan select side.
Gerard's charity walk begins on Friday and will start at the following locations over the first six days:
- Friday, September 4: Leaving Coffee House, West Belfast at 4pm
- Saturday, September 5: Divis Mountain 9am
- Sunday, September 6: Colin Glen Forest Park 11am
- Monday, September 7: Falls Park 6pm
- Tuesday, September 8: Ortus, Twin Spires 6pm
- Wednesday, September 9: Casement Park 6pm
Anyone looking to donate can do so on Gerard's fundraisng page HERE
