My Grandad, Reginald, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis before I was born. 

As a child growing up I had to watch his health steadily decline and remember cycling round to help him with certain jobs (some more personal than others) that he was no longer able to do for himself. However, I still have fond memories of going round to watch the 5 nations (as it was then) and drinking Ruddles beer together. 

Sadly he passed away in my teens, having steadily declined and moved into a care home.

Fast forward 20 years and unfortunately I’ve re-lived the MS journey this time supporting my wife Charlie as her mother Gillian battled the same disease. Charlie’s mum declined over the years and also passed away in May 2020. 

I’ve now twice seen the way MS takes away people’s independence and ultimately their life, and I want to do my part to raise money to support the research funded by charities such as the MS Society. This is in the hope that one day this research will provide an effective treatment so others don’t have to go through the same suffering that Reginald and Gillian had to endure.

I’ll be running in the memory of both Gillan and Reginald, as well as supporting Charlie who is also running to raise money for the MS Society.