AN INSPIRATIONAL grandmother who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease has raised thousands of pounds by climbing mount Snowdon for charity.

Remarkable Hilary Hughes, 77, decided to climb the 9-mile Llanberis path up Wales’ highest mountain after she was diagnosed with the muscle weakening disease last October.

She completed her challenge on April 22 alongside 15 family members, including her eight grandchildren and three children, raising around £3,000 so far.

Hilary, who is from Alvechurch, said: “It was a hard thing to do. Considering my age and what I have got it was tough.

“It was certainly the hardest thing I have done in a very long time and at one point I thought I wouldn't reach the top but with my two eldest grandsons help I got there.

“I was a family effort and it was very gratifying that the teenagers were egging me on.

“The real stars were the four youngest aged 4-9 years who walked that mountain there and back, I am so proud of my family.”

Hilary said she thought of the challenge herself after she was shocked to learn one in every 300 people in the country are diagnosed with the disease each year.

She added: “It was my silly idea. I thought we have got to do something spectacular.

“When my daughter said to aim for £1,000 I did not think we would do it but I was helped by my friends at Alvechurch Women’s Institute who raised £900 through a coffee afternoon.

“Think you to everyone who has supported our venture.”

Daughter Rebecca Winter added: “My mom was amazing on the walk and such an inspiration to us all, a truly courageous woman for doing this knowing what is ahead of her.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hughesfamily.