FOUR former Ilkley Grammar School students have raised over £3,500 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association by running 10k.

The friends - Emma Edwards, Vicky Cooke, Anna Dixon and Elaine Worthington - decided to take up the challenge in honour of Emma's mum, Ann Varley, who was diagnosed with this cruel and life-limiting disease in 2012.

“Training for our first ever 10k was hard but not nearly as hard as watching my mum live with MND. She has slowly lost the ability to move or do anything for herself – but she is incredibly brave and deals with it with such dignity and grace. We wanted to do something to show her that we will fight this devastating disease. Raising money helps provide care for those living with MND and crucially also funds research which we hope will one day find an effective treatment and cure,” said Emma.

An Ilkley resident for over 30 years, Ann spent her career caring for others at the Coronation Hospital, a local charity for the elderly and Carers Leeds before retiring eight years ago.

The friends have pledged to continue fundraising for this important cause. You can support them via www.justgiving.com/Emma-Edwards-For-My-Mum