My challenge is to run 1,000 km in 2022 to raise awareness of MND and to raise funds for the Euan MacDonald Centre. In January I managed 61km, so I need to pick up the pace! Please sponsor me and please share this to friends, family and colleagues alike.

Introduction

Motor Neurone Disease (MND), or as it is known in the United States, ALS, or Lou Gehrig's, is a life-shortening disease for which there is no cure today. It is a disease that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. It can happen to anyone at any time. In today's world, it is completely unsatisfactory that we do not know more about this disease and that there are no cures.

Charities that help

In the UK, there are several charities and research programmes that are focused on care and research. This challenge is to raise money for the The Euan MacDonald Centre  www.euanmacdonaldcentre.org They are focused on finding a cure as well as running, in conjunction with the University of Edinburgh, the only nationwide clinical trial programme seeking a cure. In late 2021, the UK government committed £50 million to targeted research into finding a cure, which is a step in the right direction, but more money is clearly needed if we are to find a cure. Charities like MNDA (www.mndassociation.org/) offer people affected by this disease much-needed support and there are other charities focused on not only support but also research into finding a cure. Charities such as the one set up by the ex-Scottish rugby player Doddie Weir, who is living with MND, (www.myname5doddie.co.uk/) do amazing work in not only raising the profile of the disease but also much needed funds to support patients and research into finding a cure. 

What is MND?

MND is a group of diseases that affect the nerves (motor neurones) in the brain and spinal cord that tell your muscles what to do. Messages from the motor neurons gradually stop reaching the muscles. This leads the muscles to weaken, stiffen, and waste away. MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. However, MND affects everyone differently. Symptoms also progress at varying speeds, which makes the course of the disease difficult to predict.

What can you do to help?

When MND is diagnosed, it comes as a devastating blow to families and loved ones. Will you go the extra mile for people affected by MND? This is an unashamed plug for money. Inspired by someone in the hotel industry who is living with MND, I have committed to running a minimum of 1,000 km in 2022 to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease and specifically to raise funds for the  the Euan MacDonald Centre. In January I managed 61km, so I am behind and need to pick up the pace! Please provide sponsorship to raise money for these charities and please share this to friends, family and colleagues alike.