It was a heartbreaking reality to see John Flagg begin to show the tell tale signs of Motor Neurone Disease after years of watching him enjoy the physical work of a farmer.

Motor Neruone Disease is a group of diseases that attack the nerve cells controlling the muscles that enable us to move, speak, swallow and breath.

With no nerves to activate the muscles, they gradually weaken and waste.

The disease affects around 1500 people in Australia, with one person dying and another being diagnosed each day.

Family members Jason, Monique, Shaun, Aaron, Michael, Rodney, Derek, Amanda and Hope are now planning to hit the road in the hope of raising donations.

“I think he is just pleased we are going out and doing something together,” Jason said.

“We haven’t set out to make a certain amount of money, we just wanted to do something for dad.”

They plan to walk from Wagga to Barmedman and along the way collect donations in support of Macquarie University’s ongoing research of the disease.

So far the family has the backing of Jason’s employer, the GEO Group, which is sponsoring for 138-kilometre journey.

He and his siblings are hoping the Junee community will get behind their walk, or get involved in fundraising activities leading up to the day.

The walk will begin in Wagga on Thursday, October 10 and weave its way to Coolamon, Ardlethan and Mirool before finishing at Barmedman on Saturday, October 12.

On overnight stops at Coolamon, Ardlethan and Barellan, Shaun Flagg, a well-know comedian, will put on stand-up comedy show at the local bowling club from 7pm.