Thanks to the vital support and advice from MDS UK, Sue was able to navigate this challenging diagnosis with more confidence.

Ali explained,

“MDS UK is a dedicated patient support charity. While major cancer charities focus on research, MDS UK provides crucial education and emotional support to patients after diagnosis. Mum has used the charity for support several times to navigate through these uncertain times, and I know she—and many others—will continue to turn to them for help in the future.”

Determined to support MDS patients and raise awareness, siblings Alistair Ward and Caroline Ward took on epic ultra challenges, raising over £5,200 for MDS UK in honour of Ali's mum Sue and others living with MDS and CMML.

Alistair led the way, tackling the gruelling South Downs 50 Ultra Challenge on 12 April 2025.

What is the South Downs Way 50 Ultra Challenge?

The South Downs Way 50, is an intense 50-mile ultra marathon along the iconic South Downs Way National Trail, starting in Worthing and finishing in Eastbourne. The route features six miles of chalk footpaths and bridleways before joining the South Downs Way at Chanctonbury Ring, covering the remaining 44 miles of the famous SDW100 course.

Intense training for the ultra challenge

Ali’s preparation involved early mornings, tough gym sessions, battling injuries, and training through harsh weather to get race-day ready. His training included demanding endurance races such as:

• New Forest Marathon (27 miles) on 4 December: Elevation 1,788 ft — 3 hrs 42 mins
• Hibernal Hills Ultra (34 miles) on 8 February: Elevation 4,633 ft — 5 hrs 13 mins

Race day success

On race day, Ali completed the South Downs 50 Ultra Challenge in an impressive 8 hours and 49 minutes, placing 44th overall — a remarkable achievement raising funds for MDS UK.

Ali shared some key moments from the race:

“Low point: Realising halfway through I needed to slow down to finish. I was far too hot in a base layer and the famous MDS t-shirt!”

“High point: Seeing my boys, wife, and mum — the real hero — with only 13 miles to go. I knew then I’d finish, even if it meant crawling.”

Thank You to Ali from MDS UK

MDS UK extends heartfelt thanks to Alistair Ward for his incredible dedication and efforts in taking on this ultra challenge to support patients living with MDS and CMML.

Caroline Ward completes the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge to support MDS UK

Inspired by her half-brother Alistair’s incredible ultra marathon, Caroline Ward took on the demanding Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge 100k walk on May 17–18 to raise vital funds for MDS UK.

The Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge route

Starting in historic Corfe Castle, the route descends to Swanage before winding through iconic landmarks including Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. The course continues with rolling ups and downs to Weymouth at the halfway point, then past Portland Bill, Chesil Beach, and West Bay — made famous by the TV series Broadchurch — before finishing with a celebratory arrival in the vibrant town of Bridport.

Caroline, along with friends Camille, Sandra, and Fiona, completed the continuous 100K walk, day and night, conquering a challenging 2,300-meter climb along one of England’s most scenic trails.

Caroline took over Alistair’s JustGiving page to build on the incredible momentum he’d started for MDS UK. Reflecting on the challenge, she shared:

“The walk was a REALLY MASSIVE challenge for me and my friends. Although I love walking, the furthest I’d previously gone non-stop was 42K, so completing 100K was a huge personal milestone.”

She added:

“Thanks so much for reading and supporting our fundraising efforts — it really means a lot to us and to the MDS community.”