A Skipsea man is embarking on a challenge to row, cycle and walk three marathons in three days in memory of his mother-in-law and to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Tony Newman, owner of Village Farm Marquees, will take on the challenge between December 6-8 in tribute to his late mother-in-law, Yvonne Sparks, who died of motor neurone disease in November 2023.
Yvonne, a much-loved member of the Skipsea community, would have celebrated her 75th birthday on December 8 this year. She was instrumental in the creation of the Skipsea Play Park, which was officially named in her honour earlier this year.
Tony’s challenge not only pays tribute to Yvonne’s legacy but also aims to raise vital funds for the MND Association Yorkshire Coast Group, which supported Yvonne and her family throughout her illness.
On Thursday, December 5, villagers are invited to kick off the fundraising with a charity quiz at the Board Inn, starting at 8.30pm.
The following day, Friday, December 6, Tony will row his first marathon at Skipsea Village Hall.
On Saturday, December 7, he will cycle a marathon during the monthly Skipsea Village Hall brunch (8.30am to 11am), where attendees can enjoy refreshments, participate in a tombola, and learn more about MND through charity stands.
On Sunday, December 8, Tony will conclude the challenge with a marathon distance walk, starting at Village Farm in Skipsea and finishing at the village hall at about 1.30pm.
This event is an opportunity for the community to rally together, celebrating Yvonne’s life and her contributions while supporting a cause close to many hearts.
Tony said: “All funds raised from this challenge will go directly to the MND Association Yorkshire Coast Group. Their invaluable support during Yvonne’s illness and their continued support of others living with MND, inspired me to undertake this challenge.”
“Doing the three marathons is important to me not only because I am raising money for a charity close to my heart, but because I like to challenge myself and see how far I can push my fitness.
“Yvonne, whose memory I am honouring with this challenge, was never one to shy away from difficult things and constantly pushed herself to raise money for good causes – she climbed Kilimanjaro when she was 60 and completed three London marathons and a marathon walk raising thousands for charity – so this felt like an appropriate challenge to take on in her memory.”
Supporters are welcome along the event routes and at the village hall to cheer Tony on and contribute to the fundraising efforts.
