Fighting MND with fitness

Everyone in Ballito knows Bob’s Boot Camp and now a fitness test like no other will raise funds for the former Sharks scrumhalf Ryan Walker who suffers from motor neuron disease..

Walker (37) was diagnosed in 2013 after it was triggered by bacterial meningitis in 2012.

Motor neuron disease (MND), is the progressive degeneration of the motor nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

With no nerves to activate the muscles you use to move, breath or swallow, muscles gradually weaken and waste.

The disease spreads rapidly with a life expectancy of between two and five years from the onset of symptoms.

Walker traveled to India twice for stem cell treatment and has to go for treatment in a hyperbaric chamber at St Augustines Hospital alongside other physical treatment and exercises.

His medical bill comes to roughly R35 000 a month of which his medical aid does not cover the medication.

Ballito’s Bob Russell wanted to help Walker and had the idea that he can use his Boot Camp to raise funds.

“I push my recruits through certain fitness tests and so I thought if they can get some sponsorship for this challenge, we’ll be able to help Walker with his treatment,” said Russell.

Instead of a standard 4km run with 50 marine burpees spread over every 500m, Russell will make it more difficult and make it 6km with 75 marine burpees.

“One of my recruits actually remarked on how much they will suffer and then I thought, good, then when you suffer don’t think about yourself, but rather keep Ryan Walker in your thoughts and prayers,” said Russell.

Russell is calling on all the other fitness gyms, crossfit and boxing gyms to get on board and accept the challenge to help with Walker’s medical expenses.

“I’m also inviting the Ballito Dolphins running club and a social group called Salt Runners.”

Russell said he was so grateful to Butch James who has also thrown in his full support behind the event. James and Walker played rugby together for the Sharks U21 and Wildebeest side in 2001.

James will be raising money for the Ryan Walker foundation by riding in the 2015 Cape Argus cycle race in Cape Town, South Africa on Sunday, March 8.

With the challenge set up by Russell, anyone can take part to support Walker and raise some money.

The fundraising challenge will take place on Thursday, March 5 at 5.30pm and Friday, March 6 at 5.30am for men and women or Friday at 7.45am for ladies only.

The course will start at the Umhlali Preparatory School gravel parking area and remember to bring a water bottle, because you’ll definitely need it!

If you would like to make a donation, you can donate to the Ryan Walker Foundation Trust at FNB Mooi River, account nr. 62500714515, branch code 220525 and SWIFT code FIRNZAJJ305.