Apologies in advance...the pestering is about to begin again!

After a few year hiatus from fundraising events, I am back 'on the wagon' and will be running the 26.2 mile VirginMoney London Marathon on 2nd October this year...

...and, in honour of the charity I am running for - The MPS Society, who this year celebrate their 40th anniversary from creation in 1982...I will be running an extra 40 miles in the days leading up to the big race.

As many will know, over the years I have taken on a number of events ranging from 10k races and The Great North Run, to ultra-marathons of 50km and 80km in the Thames Path Race and the Lakes In A Day Ultra. Thanks to the support from you generous people, together we have raised over £5,000 altogether, which has gone directly to The MPS Society - a charity extremely close to our hearts as a family.

For those who don't already know - The MPS Society is a charity which looks after those diagnosed with an extremely rare group of genetic disorders named 'MPS' (Mucopolysaccharidosis, to be precise), supporting both those with the disease, and their families.

My brother Ollie was diagnosed with a form of MPS, aged 4 years old, and now at 27 - he continues his battles daily. Having had more operations over the years than I can even begin to try and count, including a spinal decompression, corneal grafts and shunt surgery fitted in the brain to reduce pressure - his latest battle comes after having had a ground-breaking procedure in late 2021 to hopefully improve his mobility and pain when walking - now going through the rehabilitation process and physio. 

It wasn't too many years ago that there were no real 'treatments' for those suffering from MPS and many of those diagnosed in childhood, would have a severely reduced lifespan . Whilst there is still no 'cure' - thanks to increased awareness, support, research and funding - there are now drugs available which can limit the damage this disease can cause. Ollie is lucky enough to now be able to have a weekly four-hour infusion delivered intravenously at home which helps to reduce the harmful effects caused by MPS. 

The continued search for new treatments, their research and funding - can be aided by building awareness for such a rare disease. Not only that, but the support that The MPS Society can provide for children and adults suffering from MPS, along with their families - on what I can assure you, is an unbelievably challenging and difficult journey - is invaluable.

Whilst Ollie's main focus in life is to be considered as 'able-bodied' and 'normal' as anyone else, and that he is known for not complaining or seeking sympathy for anything - I can assure you I will not be following these traits whilst taking part in this event, and will most likely be moaning and seeking maximum sympathy for as long as possible!!

I will be running four x10 mile routes, in the week leading up to the race, before travelling down to London for the 26.2 mile marathon on the Sunday. Any donations you can manage to contribute, no matter if just a couple of pounds that you might be able to forego in place of a daily coffee - really, truly, does make a difference, I can promise you that.

Thank you for taking the time to read, and for all your support as always...

Elliot