Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

What am I undertaking?

On the 20th of August I shall be attempting to trek around the island of Jersey, which is roughly 48 Miles within a day.   

Whom am I raising Funds for?

I am raising money and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease and Kennedy's disease, both of which are supported by the fantastic Motor Neurone Disease Association, who provide care, support and advice for those suffering the conditions and their families. The association also provides funding for research, so that we can hopefully, one day, live in a world free of these appalling conditions. 

The association in Jersey is an affiliated branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and also provides amazing support to local people living with MND, their families and carers. 

Why am I raising funds and awareness for the charity?

Kennedy's disease, is one of many Motor Neurone Diseases and a condition that directly impacts my family and specifically, my Father. Dad received his diagnosis 8 years ago and whilst the disease has significantly impacted his physical and mental health, it has also cast a shadow across our family as a whole, with myself, my two siblings and our Mum deeply affected by the changes in him and the impact it's had on all of our lives. Our circumstances have focused my mind on the need to raise support and awareness for all Motor Neurone conditions and to somehow help others who find themselves in the same position. It's imperative that we support further research into the conditions and assist in providing the help needed by families affected by MND's. The MNDA champions support to patients and their families, as well as lobbying and fund raising to provide further medical and scientific research.

I simply want to find ways to give something back, even if it is just a small amount to help fight these awful conditions, but also to provide support to those who need it most. I also want to be able to support my Dad, who continues to be an inspiration to me everyday.

What is the disease?

Motor Neurone Disease, is a condition that  affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time, with one third of people suffering from the condition losing their lives within a year and over half within two of diagnosis. MND or ALS  affects the brain, spine and muscles of those suffering, but also has wider impacts on the families and friends of those diagnosed with variants of the disease. For more information see the link: https://www.mndassociation.org/about-mnd/what-is-mnd/

Kennedy's disease is a rare form of Motor Neurone disease and damages motor neurones and nerves, leading to weakness, wasting of muscles, dysphagia and loss of mobility in the upper and lower limbs. There is currently no known cure. Whilst life expectancy is longer than in MND sufferers, the physical impacts on mobility, respiration and organs, as well as the mental health implications, mean that the issues involved are simply more drawn out. For further information follow the link: https://www.mndassociation.org/about-mnd/what-is-kennedys-disease/basic-facts-about-kennedys-disease/