I am delighted to be running the London Marathon this October, raising money for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham. It is a complete honour and privilege to be on the team for Sue Ryder, who have supported our family from day one of our Mum Bel's diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). 

Motor Neurone Disease, or ALS, is a degenerative neurological disease where messages from the motor neurones gradually stop reaching muscles in the body. This in time causes muscles to weaken, stiffen and waste, eventually stopping people from being able to walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. It is a rare disease and currently has no cure. 

It is important for us as a family to raise the profile of MND, and we are delighted that through your support and donations we are able to do so. We are incredibly grateful to the team at Sue Ryder, who have provided the most exceptional palliative care for Mum and wider family support to us. Their team are always on hand to support us as Mum’s condition changes, giving expert advice; which is a huge source of comfort to us all. We have been overwhelmed by their professionalism, understanding and compassion over the last few years of her diagnosis. 

Sue Ryder really do have a hugely positive impact on the people who come into contact with them as a charity. If you are in a position to make a donation, your money will go on to do amazing things for other families, just like us.

We are so thankful to you all for helping us to raise over £10,000 through our previous challenges detailed below:

- Bel's Marathon Challenge - Mum covered the distance of a marathon in her wheelchair through lockdown walks in July 2020
- Bel's 100 Mile Challenge - we didn't stop fundraising there, Mum covered the distance of 100 miles in her wheelchair accompanied by family and friends, from October 2020 - May 2021
- Joby, James and Joe took on the National Three Peaks Walk (Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis) in under 24 hours, followed by the Three Castles Walk in Monmouthshire 
- 3 x charity walks together with the Disabled Ramblers (Bredon Hill, Bromsberrow Estate in Malvern and Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe)

So now it is my turn! Running the London Marathon is a once in a lifetime opportunity - thank you for joining me on this journey.

L X