David's Journey – The Road to the 190-Mile Challenge

Introduction

Meet David. Over the next few months, we’ll be sharing his journey as he prepares for an incredible challenge – walking 190 miles from Bournemouth to London, all to raise awareness and much-needed funds for the Stock family. Along the way, he’ll be working with us at Carter & George to ensure he’s in top condition, with support in the form of Performance & Prevention Screening, Footscan technology, and Strength & Conditioning sessions.

But beyond the miles, this walk is about so much more. It’s about friendship, determination, and making a difference in the life of young Lilian Stock. And it’s about facing the unimaginable, with courage and hope.

A Cause Close to the Heart

In late 2024, Lilian Stock, the young daughter of Sean and Emily, was diagnosed with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD), a rare and devastating genetic disorder. MLD gradually destroys the white matter of the brain and spinal cord, impacting the ability to move, speak, see, eat, and swallow – and ultimately, it steals lives.

MLD’s treatment costs, coupled with Sean’s own battle with a brain tumour, are mounting rapidly. In the face of it all, Sean and his family are showing immense strength, but they need support – and that’s where this challenge comes in.

The Challenge: 190 Miles for Lilian

On March 29th, 2025, David will embark on a gruelling 190-mile walk, spanning across seven and a half days. Starting from Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium, he will make his way through the streets of London, passing by all the Premier League grounds – culminating at the top of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But David's commitment doesn’t stop there. In true David fashion, he’s pushing himself further, conquering a personal fear of heights by walking to the top of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium!

A Long Road of Preparation

The journey leading up to the big day will require physical and mental preparation, and that’s where Carter & George comes in. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be working with David to ensure he’s physically ready for the endurance of the walk. Through our Performance & Prevention Screening, we’ll assess his body’s readiness, identify any potential weak spots, and give him the tools he needs to stay strong throughout the challenge. Our Footscan technology will ensure that his gait and posture are optimized for the long days ahead, and Strength & Conditioning sessions will build the stamina and resilience needed to tackle the miles.

David’s commitment to the cause is truly inspiring, and we’re honoured to play a part in his journey. Along the way, we’ll keep you updated with his progress, the ups and downs, and the emotional moments that make this walk so meaningful.

Join David on His Journey

The journey leading up to the big day will require both physical and mental preparation, and that’s where Carter & George comes in. From the moment David started working with us back in December, we’ve been focused on setting him up for success. Through his Performance & Prevention Screening and PNOE Metabolic Testing, we gained a clear understanding of his current fitness levels and what his exercise program needed to look like. This comprehensive approach allows us to tailor his training, ensuring he’s not just physically ready, but also preventing any injuries along the way.

While David prepares for the challenge of a lifetime, you can be part of it too. Every step he takes is for Lilian, for awareness, and for a better future for children and families affected by this rare and devastating disease. If you’d like to support David in his journey, please consider donating to his JustGiving page.