It’s been over ten years since we lost my Mum, Maureen, to Motor Neurone Disease.  It wasn’t as well known back then, to the point where it was hard for the doctors to even diagnose that was the problem when she started suffering from health problems.

The ice bucket challenge helped start to change things and people became more aware of this awful condition, where people find themselves trapped in their own body while it gradually fails them.  It’s bittersweet that it’s even more well known now thanks to the efforts of former professional sportsmen like Rob Burrows, Doddie Weir, Stephen Darby and more recently Ed Slater and Marcus Stewart.  It was tough watching my Mum with the condition in her late 60’s, it’s awful seeing these young men with their young families going through exactly the same thing.

So when it was announced that there would be a new Leeds marathon and it would be the Rob Burrows/MNDA marathon, also having been so inspired by the amazing friendship and fundraising efforts we have seen from Kevin Sinfield, I had to break my intention to never run a road marathon and sign up.  I know I do a lot of running, but a road marathon has never featured in my ambitions, and for those that know my hatred of hills, you can imagine my language when they announced it would be in Leeds!  

So I know we all have causes like this close to our hearts and times are tough, but if you are able to offer any support via a donation, it would be very gratefully received.  Equally, if you see me running up and down Red Lion hill in Martlesham training for the lovely hills of Leeds, show some support by tooting your horn or feel free to just shout abuse at me, it all helps 😁💙💚