MANY thanks for helping us to raise the profile of my daughter’s challenge to walk the Ridgeway (91 miles) in seven days, despite the fact she has multiple sclerosis. 
I would also like to thank the many kind and very generous people in the Marlborough area, most of whom have never met my daughter, but still put their hands in their pockets and donated. 
So far the online (plus offline pledges) figure is approaching £7,000. The target is £10,00 but the My Donate account will remain open till December 17. The money will be split between Lambourn Riding For The Disabled Association (where my daughter rides) and the research department of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Jo Fielder’s five-month training programme paid off, despite being interrupted on occasions by the debilitating fatigue and pain, which so many MS sufferers experience. She worked her way from half a mile a day to 12 miles a day in training, but on the final day of the walk managed an astounding 15 miles. 
Her husband Jake Fielder supported her with love and encouragement throughout the training and also walked with her. Without this unwavering support, such an event could not have happened. There were huge amounts of help from many friends, both before and during the walk, including David Hemery CBE and Lambourn RDA – who organised one section on horseback.
The wheelbarrow (as pictured in your report last week) was a running joke throughout, with Jo rating each section on the map for wheelbarrow possibility, according to the walk length and steepness of the climbs each day. We’re all very pleased Jo did not require it, despite some very uncomfortable and sometimes painful days! 
She will return to our wonderful Great Western Hospital for her four-weekly infusion next week. Without treatment, it is very unlikely a trek of this length would ever have been considered. We are all longing for a cure to be found, but only research will make this happen. You might like to listen out for Jo and Jake on Clare Balding’s Ramblings programme on Radio 4, which will be broadcast in a couple of months.
Thank you everyone from the 
bottom of my heart.
VAL COMPTON
Kennet Place
Marlborough