It might not be fast but I aim to last!

I'll be running 52km on Sunday 1 August 2021 which represents 1km for every year of my Mum's life. My Mum suffered from Multiple Sclerosis and died in her 52nd year when I was 26 years old. I'm a similar age now and would like to raise money to fund research through the University of Plymouth's "South West Impact of Multiple Sclerosis Project". 

My Mum Grace was an exceptional woman. She had a wonderful sense of humour, was very quick witted, fun spirited and kind hearted. She loved her job as a Nursing Sister, was a devout Christian, classically trained singer and accomplished pianist and guitarist with an innate artistic flair! She was diagnosed with MS when I was 14 years old and worked until her symptoms made it impossible to continue. She remained positive throughout her journey, never complained and was always interested in others. She died peacefully in Montreal in 1995 - one day after I'd flown back from visiting her. Her ashes were laid to rest with her parents near the family home in Lancaster, UK.

I'm far from being an elite runner! I only started running back in February to shift some of my lockdown pounds and to get fitter. I started small, about 3km, then slowly built-up my distances. I didn't realise how much I'd enjoy being out at 5am - hearing nature wake-up, clearing my head before a day's work. It actually de-frags my brain letting me thinker clearer, solve problems and get rid of the irrelevant stuff. As I increased my runs to 20km, I thought hang-on, what could I really achieve with this? So I came-up with the idea of doing an ultra-52-marathon and raise money to help others who suffer from the same disease that my Mum did.

I have A LOT of miles to go to build the endurance. I'm planning my route around our seaside town of Clevedon in the South West of England, on the shores of the Severn Estuary. We love living here because it has everything we enjoy - hills, moors, forests, coastal paths, bays, beaches and a beautiful Victorian seafront. We'll share some of these lovely places when posting photos while on the run. My partner Dave will be my support crew (as always) and will cycle alongside me with food, drinks and words encouragement to keep me going when the going gets tough! 

I aim to finish my 52km (32.3 miles) on the historic Clevedon Pier which still is, in the words of Sir John Betjeman, "The most beautiful pier in England." It was built back in the 1860's and remains the only Grade I listed pier in the UK - see photo above. On the Pier we have a plaque which commemorates my Mum and that's my finish line. 

This challenge isn't about speed or time - it's about the journey. Commitment, endurance, determination, physical and mental strength and realising that we can always do more than we believe - for ourselves and for others.

"When you think that you are done, you're only 40% in to what your body's capable of doing. That's just the limits that we put on ourselves".

DAVID GOGGINS: Ex-Navy Seal & Ultra Endurance Athlete the toughest man on the planet!

My sister Sharon and I miss our Mum every single day. I wish our daughter could've met her especially as I see many of my Mum's beautiful characteristics and talents live-on in Claudia who's now 15 years old. My Mum's love, encouragement and strength continues to inspire me and sustains me for life. With this inspiration, I know she would want me to help others - and push beyond my 40% - which is exactly what she did every day of her life. 

University of Plymouth Giving Team have given me amazing support, all along the way, and have kindly published an article about my story here:

Lockdown runner to complete 52km for University MS research - University of Plymouth

Thank you for your kind thoughts, motivational words and generous donations - there's no better way to feel good than by doing good and serving others.

All donations will be directed to this MS research team and their work to help those who continue to suffer with this condition which causes damage to the nerves in the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system). Find out more about their research by clicking on the link above.