Thames Path walk for couple raising awareness of rare condition

Raynor and Moth Winn start their challenge in Oxford

A best-selling author and her husband are set to walk the Thames Path to raise awareness of a rare neurological condition.

Raynor and Moth Winn start their 120-mile (193km), 12-day, challenge on 7 April from Folly Bridge, in Oxford.

Mr Winn was diagnosed with Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) while walking the South West Coastal Path in 2013.

CBD is a rare condition that can cause gradually worsening problems with movement, speech and memory.

The couple are raising money for the charity PSPA, which supports people and families dealing with the effects of two rare neuro-degenerative diseases.

Ms Winn, whose books about previous long-distance walks have garnered various plaudits, said: "We're taking on a walking challenge this April to raise awareness of CBD and to raise much needed funds for research, so we can understand more about the disease."

Mr Winn was diagnosed with CBD whilst on a long distance walk in 2013

"We want more people to know what CBD is and how it impacts on daily life, so we hope people will join us on the last six-mile stretch of our challenge, dressed in PSPA purple, to help us to finish with a big bang."

The couple's Thames Path walk will finish on 18 April, with the last leg covering Putney Bridge to Westminster Bridge.

They then have two days' rest before taking part in the London Marathon.

"Despite the sore feet, we're still looking forward to getting there and soaking up the amazing atmosphere around London," Ms Winn said.

Mr Winn was diagnosed with CBD while the pair were walking the South West Coastal Path in 2013.

The couple's coastal walk was detailed in Ms Winn's best-selling book, The Salt Path.

"We are honoured The Salt Path has helped inspire many people get outside and take up walking, including people, who like Moth, are currently living with CBD," Ms Winn said.

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