A FIREFIGHTER set off on a 200-mile trek to Motherwell from his Mapplewell home on Wednesday morning to help fund his friend’s treatment for motor neurone disease.

Iain McDonald, 42, served as a recovery mechanic in the armed forces with Stu Carmichael - a Scottish man who was diagnosed with MND, a condition that affects the brain and nerves and becomes worse over time.

Stu has started a medical trial that involved a pioneering stem cell treatment to aid his condition.

Iain wants to raise £5,000 for his treatment and to do so he’s walking from Mapplewell to Stu’s home in Motherwell - and he’s already reached half his target.

He told the Chronicle: “I’ve had a few days’ rest and so I’m raring to go.

“I’m slightly nervous but I’m so excited to get going.

“I’m up to £2,500 raised now and I’ve been sponsored by a company so they’ve supplied me with all my equipment for the journey.

“It’s 206 miles and I’m planning to get it all done in ten days.”

To donate to Iain’s fundraiser, search for ‘Airborne Warrior’ on justgiving.com.