I'd just got back from a run around Barrier Park, London, my usual not-too-challenging distance of around 3km. I checked Facebook and the first thing that came up was an advert from Motor Neurone Disease Association and I immediately thought of Sally Billison.

We’d spent a weekend with friends in Honfleur in June 2022, but Sally was unsure if she could join us as, despite only being in her 50s, she’d suffered some unexplained falls. Tests ruled out the obvious causes,  so we all prayed that it wasn’t MS. Then the diagnosis came and we wished it was MS; it was confirmed as MND. Once an MND diagnosis is received it is clear there is no future and Sally sadly passed away earlier this year, barely a year since our trip away. The kindest most  caring person I knew was gone from the world.

The MND Association advert asked people to run 60 miles in August to raise money to help understand, fight and beat this cruel disease.
Could I run for the people that can no longer walk? Can I run ‘til I lose my breath for those that can no longer breathe for themselves?

Yes I can. Yes I will.

Will you help me raise some money along the way? Only you can answer that.

What would be nice is if people could sponsor me 10 pence per mile: £6 for the month, just £1.50 per week. Obviously you can sponsor me more should you wish to, but please don’t leave yourself short, I know times are hard. Even if you can just send me goodwill messages, I know it will spur me on for those days when “Putting your trainers on” really is the hardest part.

Thank you for reading and thank you in advance for your sponsorship, it’s greatly appreciated. *update* Due to your kindness I have upped the target *again* after we broke through in just a few hours. Truly blessed x

Jonathan