A COUPLE are embarking on a three-day cycling and walking challenge across Wales in memory of a friend who died from motor neurone disease.
Professor Norman Palmer, who was a top barrister helping foreign clients to win back cultural relics from Britain, lived at Crickadarn, near Erwood, until his death last October.
His friend Debbie Hicks, from nearby Boughrood, and her partner Simon Mudie, will cycle from north to South Wales and climb the country’s three highest peaks, Snowdon, Cadair Idris and Pen y Fan, in three days.
Their challenge starts tomorrow (Friday) and will raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Debbie said Simon’s battle with the rare disease and its impact on the professor and his wife Ruth Redmond Cooper had inspired the challenge which will involve them cycling 183 miles and climbing 19,685 feet. She said Norman had finally been diagnosed with motor neurone disease around nine months before he died.
“Norman lost his brave and courageous fight against this cruel and debilitating disease. It was apparent there is nowhere near enough help, support or awareness for those who suffer as a result of this horrible disease.
“I’ve been a friend for many years and I would help out. Just for Ruth to go and take the dog for a walk someone had to be there.”
During his career Norman had represented clients ranging from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre to the Islamic Republic of Iran claim back cultural objects and remains that had ended up on British soil.
He had also worked alongside the human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, whose husband George is a well known actor, in providing advice for the Greek government on the legal status of the Parthenon marbles.
Debbie, who has known the couple for around seven years, said: “Norman was a real gentleman, really quiet and a sweet gentleman the type who would hold the door, that type of person.”
Debbie has a Just Giving page which can be found by searching for her name on the website.