John McDowall was a very special family friend. He, his wife Sarah, and daughters Rose and Izzie have long been part of our Teddington lives.

John was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in March of 2008. MND is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurones and leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. There is currently no cure and average life expectancy is less than 5 years from first symptoms. John died in January this year.

This is part of Jog for John: a 5k walk, jog, run (or whatever) in John's much loved Bushy Park on October 6th 2012, which Sarah and friends are organising for participants of all ages and abilities to get together to remember this wonderful man. It is in aid of The Princess Alice Hospice (via a suggested entry fee) and the MNDA (via sponsorship).

If you can't join us on the day, or even if you can, please sponsor us and help us raise money to find a cure for this vicious illness. Any amount would be gratefully received.

The Ramsay family will be running on the day and we would love your support.