Liam Elmes (26) has set out on an ambitious trek from Canada to Colombia, aiming to raise significant funds for his friend Luke Lawes, whose progressive illness has drastically impacted his life.

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a debilitating progressive neurological condition that targets motor neurons, the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles.

As MND progresses, motor neurons deteriorate and die, leading to severe muscle weakness, loss of mobility, and difficulties with speech, swallowing, and breathing.

The disease presents a profound challenge, progressively impairing the ability to perform basic bodily functions.

Liam and Luke’s friendship began in 2016 during a shared motorcycle adventure through Vietnam.

They first met in Hanoi, where Luke taught Liam how to ride a motorcycle.

Their journey together extended from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, and their travels didn’t end there. The two friends went on to live together in Australia for several months, continuing their exploration of the world.

Luke is originally from the area between Liverpool and Manchester in the UK.

Despite his recent diagnosis, which came almost four years ago, Luke has shown an unwavering passion for travel and exploration.

“We’ve been all around Ireland together, all around the UK too, and we’ve been in Romania, The Netherlands,” Liam said.

“Our last trip together was to Romania around Christmas time, and at that time we thought it might be our last.”

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