COLLEAGUES of a Gwent Magistrates Court employee diagnosed with motor neurone disease organised a sponsored walk in Pontypool Park on Saturday to raise money for charity.

A six-mile walk, which went up towards the Folly Tower, was held in support of Phil Jenson who was diagnosed with the condition last year.

His colleagues, Richard Jones, Hayley Boyce and Julie Macalast, brought the event together, which included Newport Gwent Dragon’s Phil Price offering his support.

Mrs Boyce said: “The walk went really well. We had over 60 people turn up and support us. It was a really good day.

“The weather held out and it was really sunny. We couldn’t have asked for better weather really.”

Motor neurone disease is a progressive condition which involves the wasting away of muscles and the degeneration of motor neurones in the nervous system.

Mrs Boyce added: “There is no cure for motor neurone disease and it is such a debilitating and deteriorating disease. We wanted to do the walk to raise awareness of the disease as it is still not very well known.

“Our colleague, Phil Jenson, was diagnosed about one year ago and it was important for us to get together and help him and his family out during this difficult time.”

Mrs Boyce added that the amount of money raised by the fundraiser is not yet known, but the success of the day will inspire further events.

“It was really emotional. Both Phil and his family were there on the day to join us and they were pleased to see so many people there in support of him,” she said.

“We are planning further fundraising events for the motor neurone disease charity, including bake off and other ideas.”