A MOTHER and daughter will walk 60 miles from Borth to Mwnt to raise money for a Motor Neurone Disease charity in memory of a relative.

Rhian Cooper, who is originally from Aberystwyth and lives in Aberdyfi now, and daughter Hana Brierley will set off from Borth lifeboat station on 26 June, the ninth anniversary of the death of Rhian’s sister, Eryl Walsh.

Eryl was just 58 whe she died of Motor Neurone Disease.

Rhian, 62, has always wanted to raise money for MNDA and this month, she and Hana, 32, will walk 60 miles along the Ceredigion coast.

They will split the walk over two days, staying in Aberaeron on Saturday night before continuing on to Mwnt on Sunday.

Although they moved away, sisters Eryl and Rhian are well-known in Aberystwyth, and the seaside town remains a special part of their lives.

Rhian said: “We were born and raised here, and my parents lived there. Eryl married there and taught Welsh in Cardiff. She was a great supporter of Urdd Gobaith Cymru and left money in her will to give as an annual prize to the best Welsh Learner at the National Eisteddfod She left money in her will to give as an annual prize to the best Welsh Learner at the National Eisteddfod.

“She was also cremated there and her ashes scattered in the harbour.

“That’s why we have decided to walk the coastal path, on the anniversary of her death. It’s still a very special place for us all.”

Rhian, who lives in Aberdyfi, added: “I’ve wanted to do something for MNDA ever since Eryl was diagnosed, but life got in the way. Lockdown was perfect though, for going out and walking and training. Hana, who has three children under the age of five, has been running every morning before they get up!”

The walk is one of a number of challenges Rhian’s family have set themselves. As well as the coast walk, she and several family members are virtually walking, running or cycling 874 miles, the distance between John o’ Groats and Land’s End.

Rhian said: “Hana will run every mile, myself and my sister-in-law, Lorrie Cooper are walking and my son-in-law Ollie is cycling - but doing triple the miles! As a family, we have all experienced the terrible effect MND has on those given a terminal diagnosis, and also the hideous impact it has on family and friends.

“In 2015, Ollie lost his good friend, Andy, from the same awful disease. He was 31. On 6 August (Andy’s birthday) we are trekking 10 miles across the Malvern hills, near the area he was from. We are desperate to raise as much money as we can to help the MNDA find a cure.”

So far the family has raised £2,391 but they would love to raise a lot more.

“Motor Neurone Disease is a terrible illness and there is no known cure. However, researchers are hopeful with sufficient funding they can develop a treatment in the near future. We are determined to play our part helping to raise as much money as possible.”