Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves. It causes weakness that gets worse over time. Six people are diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) every day in the UK. There is no known cure for MND, but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person’s daily life. MND can significantly shorten life expectancy and unfortunately, eventually leads to death.

In December 2019 it was revealed that Rob Burrow had been diagnosed with MND. Rob is a former professional rugby player for Leeds Rhinos, England and Great Britain, having won a total of 8 Super League championships, 2 Challenge Cups, been named to the Super League Dream Team on 3 occasions and won the Harry Sunderland Trophy twice.

In July 2021, I was fortunate to play in a star studded Rugby League All Stars charity match, Rob Burrow All Stars v RB7 Select Xiii. The ‘Rugby League All Stars’ with who I am fortunate to play as part of the squad now, raise money for the ‘Life for a Kid Foundation’. Rob Burrow was a huge advocate for the ‘Life for a Kid Foundation’ and played for the Rugby League All Stars on many occasions.
The Rugby League All Stars that I’ve been fortunate to play with and against include many big names in rugby league, including Iestyn Harris, Keith Senior, Adrian Morley, Danny McGuire, Willie Poaching, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Paul Sculthorpe, Jamie Peacock, Weller Hauraki, Chev Walker, Kylie Leuluai, Bennie Westwood, Gareth Ellis, Lee Radford, Wayne Godwin and the legend that is Sir Kevin Sinfield.

It is the legend that is Sir Kev that has inspired me to take on this challenge, through following his amazing awareness and fundraising in his numerous running challenges since I played against him in July 2021.

Having never really run more than 3 miles, no matter how fit I was in my earlier rugby days, I started my journey on the 1st November 2022 with the Couch to 10k programme that I competed by the end of January 2023. From there I have gone straight into a 16 week programme to run a marathon, the Edinburgh Marathon on the 28th May 2023. It is proving hugely difficult and still something I’m doubting myself about, which is not in my nature normally. I shall however, complete this challenge and put myself through the pain and soreness of it all to raise much needed funds for MNDA research and Rob and Sir Kev’s continued fight to find a cure and raise awareness. To add to it i shall also complete 100 press-ups each day in May, MNDA press-up challenge.

I'd be so grateful for your support, anything you can donate really will help to make a difference in the fight against MND. It will help to keep me motivated as I take on these epic challenges too!

Thanks for listening

JB