21.01.2023

19 years today since my grandad passed away to MND 💙

I’ve always enjoyed going out for a run but never been consistent when running. I’d go through phases of running for a while but then life would get busy and it would end up at the bottom of my priority list.

I never ever planned on signing up for a marathon yet here we are! My reasons for signing up to The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is because it holds such a special place in my heart.

My grandad Geoff was diagnosed with MND towards the end of 2001 before passing away in 2004. Back in 2001, MND appeared rare in comparison to the number of people suffering with MND today. 

I was lucky enough to spend 15 years with my grandad creating lots of wonderful memories. The last couple of years were very challenging for my grandad and also for my nana. Although they had the help of every family member, they wanted to remain independent and didn’t like asking for help. 

‘’MND is the short term for motor neurone disease, which affects the nerves known as motor neurones. These nerves are found in the brain and spinal cord and they help tell your muscles what to do. If you have MND, this means your movement will be affected and you are likely to get a wide range of symptoms. Motor neurone disease (MND) affects everyone differently. Not everyone has all the symptoms, or in the same order, and the speed at which symptoms progress can vary. ‘’

It is heartbreaking to know that lots of people (including their family members) are suffering and going through a similar experience to what my grandad and my family went through. There is currently no cure for MND and therefore you have to manage the symptoms the best you can. Not only did it take away my grandads independence, it also took away his pride. 

There are currently lots of people suffering with MND and many that have passed away to MND. Most people may be aware of well known people (Stephen Hawking, Rob Burrow) and some of you may personally know somebody that has suffered with MND. 

Social media has many pros and cons, yet it is amazing that people nowadays are able to connect via Facebook or Instagram and share their experiences and provide support to one another. I feel that people are more aware of MND now than what they were 20 years ago. There are 1000s of people that have a story to tell and a reason as to why they want to raise money and awareness for MND.

I am most definitely not a ‘marathon runner’ and I am blissfully ignoring the fact that my little legs will be running 26 miles in 16 weeks time. However, the aches and pains that I am likely to experience on May 14th is nothing in comparison to the suffering that those with MND experience. I have no intention of setting myself a time in which I would like to complete the marathon. My aim is to complete the 26.2 miles regardless of whether I run, walk or crawl over the finish line 😃

I have been back out running again and I am slowly building up my miles each week. I plan to update this page and keep people updated on my progress.

Thank you in advance to anybody kindly enough to sponsor me. I have attached a link to show you how donations can help to support the ongoing research for MND. 

https://www.mndassociation.org/app/uploads/2021/02/the-difference-you-could-make.pdf

UPDATE 

03.04.2023

I am so excited to announce that one of my best friends is joining me and  is also going to be running the Rob Burrows Marathon.

Claire and myself met in year 7 at secondary school and have been friends ever since. We don’t see one another as often as we would like due to living in different areas of the country but regularly keep in touch.. We always pick up where we left off when we do eventually have a catch up.

I was so excited when Claire mentioned that she would possibly run the marathon too. Anybody that knows Claire will know just how determined, focused and organised she is. What better person to have by your side when running a marathon. Claire is so positive and will definitely put me in my place on the day 😃 She takes no nonsense and they’ll be no room for ‘my legs are hurting’ or ‘I really can’t go on’

Claire has been running consistently for many years and I know that she is going to absolutely smash it on the day of the marathon! It is also Claire’s first marathon and neither of us are aiming for a particular time. We will both set off together and see where the day takes us. We will either cross the finish line together or she’ll be waiting for me as I cross the line.

6 weeks to go! 75% excited, 25% nervous 😬 

UPDATE 

13.05.23

1 day to go !! 😄

9am tomorrow and I shall be at the start line with one of my best friends and 1000s of other people who are running to raise awareness of MND. Lots of people will be running in memory of a family member or friend who is / who has suffered with MND.

I am so excited to take on the challenge and I cannot wait to -

1. Have a good catch up with Claire 😀

2. Meet lots of people and hear about their reasons for running the marathon. 

I am sure that at various points tomorrow it is going to be tough but I have my little army of support who will be cheering me on from the roadside or people back home sending me lots of luck.

Thank you to everybody who has sponsored me 💙 It is greatly appreciated and it lets me know just how kind and supportive the people around me really are 🥰

In memory of my grandad Geoff 💕