In mid 2005 my Mother was sadly diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis after displaying several symptoms of Primary Progressive M.S. After several years of battling M.S. she was sadly forced to retire and is unable to travel long distances without the aid of a wheelchair or mobility scooter.

I know first-hand the immense satisfaction and sense of achievement my mother herself took from running and competing in races of all distances, something that she has been robbed of as a result of this disability.

The love of running passed through the generations down to me when I took up the mantle in 2013 and entered the Bath Half Marathon to fund raise for M.S, raising several hundred pounds in the process.

Since 2013 I have have taken part in several Marathons and Ultra Marathons, with the sole aim of reaching the 100 Marathon Club, I would not have been able to get this far without the advice and support of my Mum, especially when in 2015 I was diagnosed with my own  life-threatening illness.

In a way she is the reason that I run,  as I know how proud she felt and continues to feel watching me run around the U.K and beyond, something I will never take for granted and motivates me further for future challenges.I am delighted that entering the Half together means we can both enjoy the sport again and crossing that finishing line to collecting our medals!!

Running long distances is a massive challenge in itself, but to push someone around in a wheelchair ups the ante somewhat , but I will not falter, and we will not fail to cross that finishing line together.

If you can spare a few quid to help support the sterling work the M.S Society does to help sufferers through the daily battles M.S. throws at you, and most importantly fund pioneering research, then we will both be extremely thankful.

Thank You

R & M McDermott