Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is currently an inoperable and incurable form of brain cancer that only affects children. Children like that of Amanda Walker and Ray Mifsud who lost Abbie to the condition in September 2011, aged just 6.

Amanda, along with Anita and Liz who have also endured the heartache of DIPG, recognise that although they have lost what was precious and cherished, there is still and will continue to be hundreds who are yet to face the same tragic struggle. Overthrowing the behemoth that is DIPG and saving the lives of children and the hearts of parents is the driving force in creating Abbie’s Army, the Kent-based charity founded by Abbie’s parents. This has already seen Abbie’s father Ray cycling 660km from Toulon to Barcelona, through the Pyrenees in just 5 days! It is also responsible for the team of 20 women who will be undertaking the 45-mile M.A.D (Mums Against DIPG) Lakes Challenge in late May.

The video below describes the journey so far and a little more about the MAD Lakes Challenge.

20 women including these three brave mums will be heading to the Lake District in a bid to raise £100,000. They will canoe 20 miles, cycle 13 miles and climb/hike/abseil including Scafell a further 10 miles all within 24 hours. Abbie’s Army has already raised over £80,000 for research into brain cancer in 2012 and will be actively pursuing more targeted research into DIPG in the future. You can follow their progress through Twitter and on Facebook, and donate through the link below.

www.justgiving.com/mumsagainstdipg