Hello everyone!

Well after saying that I'd love to run the marathon, I've actually been lucky (some might say unlucky) enough to get a place for this April running for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Most of you know that my dad passed away in 2005, after suffering from the disease for 3 years. It is a terrible, degenerative disease, which destroys the ability to walk, talk or swallow...some of the everyday things we take for granted. Despite this, the mind and senses are rarely affected. People with MND know exactly what is happening to their bodies, they feel the pain and the frustration of not being able to walk or talk, and most of all, they know there is nothing they can do to stop it.

It was a horrible experience to see someone you love so much, going through such an awful disease, and despite trying to help as much as possible, we all felt as if we wanted to do more.

Well now this is my chance. By running (and maybe a bit of walking!) the 26.2 miles, and raising, with your support, lots of money, I can help provide vital funding to care and support sufferers like my dad, as well as their carers. It will also fund crucial research into causes, treatments and hopefully, one day, a cure for the disease.  

So please dig deep and if you can, sponsor me online.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Motor Neurone Disease Association will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Please give what you can - not only will you be helping me to keep on running, but more importantly, you will be helping the 5000 people who are living with the disease in the UK alone.  As the MND slogan says "Life with MND may be short....but it's still worth living".

Many thanks!

Laura x