Brother of former Hampshire councillor raises money for charity

As previously reported, Hugh Lumby resigned from his position as the councillor for the Upper Meon Valley ward at the end of March after holding the seat for three years.

The 57-year-old, of High Street, Meonstoke, told the Chronicle that the decision was made after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in November 2023.

Hugh Lumby stepped down from Hampshire County Council after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (Image: Contributed)

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Now, Mr Lumby’s brother Henry has completed a series of bike rides to raise money and awareness for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The bike rides have added up to a total distance of 1,000km, with Henry raising more than £18,700 for MNDA.

Henry, from Chandler's Ford, said: “Hugh has been more than a big brother to me, he has been a hero through what he has achieved in his career and what he has given back to his local community. Hugh was my rock when we lost our Mum to cancer when she was 58 years old. He has faced his diagnosis with his usual grace and good humour and is attacking it head-on by taking part in a pioneering research project.

“It is why I challenged myself to take on a blockbuster of a challenge in honour of my big brother. I called it the Blockbuster Challenge because in 1985, aged 18, Hugh was a contestant on Bob Holness’ iconic Blockbuster quiz show.

“In honour of that moment in our Lumby family history and to raise funds and awareness for MNDA, having been inspired by Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrows, I committed to don the Lycra, and to take on a series of cycling challenges that total 1,000km. The two most significant ultra-rides were Ride London (160km), and then riding from London to Paris in early June (500km). This has been joined by a series of 80 to 130km rides in Dorset and Hampshire that have been completed as training for the two ultras. It finished up with 100km round the New Forest.

“I am hugely thankful to my family for supporting me to do this challenge, and the incredible support from the MND community, and for everyone who has donated. I have been amazed at how many lives have been touched by MND, and it has spurred me on to undertake further challenges to raise more for MNDA.”

Henry Lumby (Image: Henry Lumby)

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Jo Coker, the MND Association’s director of income generation, said: “We are all in awe of Henry’s efforts and couldn’t be more grateful for everything he is doing to support the Association and the work we do.

“Every penny raised, by Henry and others like him, helps us to get closer to our community’s vision of a world free from MND.”

To find out more about Henry’s efforts or donate, visit justgiving.com/page/henry-lumby-1715958789134?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fhenry-lumby-1715958789134&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share.