AN 82-year-old man has spoken out about the devastating toll of Motor Neurone Disease, following the death of famed scientist Stephen Hawking.

David Hawkins' mother, Ethel, also died from the disease and he is now planning a 60km sponsored walk in a bid to raise £1,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

He will take part in the Just Walk: Across the Divide event, in West Sussex, with his 23-year-old grandson Tom Crisp, on Saturday, May 12.

Mr Hawkins said: "The effect of Motor Neurone Disease upon my mother was dreadful to see.

"Within a very short period of time she deteriorated from being a very active spritely person....to becoming a physical wreck, unable to speak, feed or dress herself or carry out her own ablutions.

"The Motor Neurone Disease had finally affected my mother's breathing and I had the harrowing experience of watching her die of suffocation.

"It kills a third of people within a year and more than half in two years of diagnosis. Stephen Hawking, who recently died, was an exception to the rule.

"Motor Neurone Disease took a terrible toll on his physical condition and within a short time robbed him of almost all of his faculties.

"Fortunately his brain was unaffected and he was able to become the outstanding scientist of the age."

Mr Hawkins has completed sponsored walks for the Motor Neurone Disease Association since his mother died aged 88 in 1996.

His mum was able to go on long walks in the Malvern Hills before she got the disease in her eighties.

The pensioner added that this year will be the last time he undertakes the Just Walk: Across the Divide 60km event and he wants to raise as much money as possible.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association provides care and support for patients, families and carers.

To donate to Mr Hawkins' effort visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-hawkins32