All the money raised will go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association

Darren Fletcher, whose best friend Dave Sampson has motor neurone disease (MND), has raised £10,000 to support research and treatment into the condition.

David Sampson and his wife Kay at the end of the ride. | Kay Sampson

placeholder image — David Sampson and his wife Kay at the end of the ride. | Kay Sampson

David Sampson, from Castletown, was given the “devastating” news he has MND in January 2025.

Determined to continue living life to the full, on Tuesday (May 19) David joined friend and former cycling partner Darren Fletcher in completing the final section of Darren’s 221 mile fundraising ride which finished at Hylton Castle.

Darren, who also lost his dad to MND, took on the challenge to cycle from Dunkeld in Scotland to Sunderland - a route he had often cycled with Dave - covering the distance in just three days.

Dave's friend and former cycling partner has helped to raise £10,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. | Kay Sampson

Darren said: “I must admit I shed quite a few tears on the windswept roads and paths remembering the Scottish cycling adventures I have shared with Dave.

“I would like to say thanks to my support team. We somehow together made everything seem alright.”

Dave was with Darren for the duration of his journey, thanks to a van donated by his former employer, Tarmac, but was able get back on the saddle to “lead Dave home” to the welcome party at Hylton Castle.

Dave said: “I’m totally overwhelmed by what Darren has done, but I never doubted him one bit . Our support team were the best and I’ve have been blown away by everyone’s kindness”.

Also supporting Darren on his journey was Dave’s wife, Kay, who added: “Our initial target was £600, and so to raise £10,000 is amazing. Darren is our superhero. He also lost his dad to MND and was Dave’s cycling partner.

“It is a cause close to his heart and so he was able to push on through when things got tough. The ride was not just about raising money, but also about raising awareness. I think a lot of people still don’t know what MND is, but there’s no cure or treatment. The only thing you can offer is support - it’s horrific.”

After completing the ride, Dave headed to the Shipwrights pub on Ferryboat Lane where was treated to a ride on a Harley Davison motorbike - something Kay said “he has always wanted to do”.

All the money raised will go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association and you can still donate to the cause via Dave and Darren’s GoFundMe page.

Kay said: “We would never want any other family to go through what we have and still are. We need to put as much funding as possible into finding a cure. Right now, all we have is faith, hope, and prayers.”