We were devastated when Mum suddenly started struggling with small tasks, such as opening a door, walking, sitting up. After a few months of tests, and ever rapidly decreasing strength, she was finally diagnosed with motor neurone disease in Jan 2014. Shortly after, we were struggling to care for her at home and she moved into Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in March. She was thoroughly spoilt and cared for by everyone at the hospice supported by the MND association. We had another 4 months of fun and adventure before she sadly passed away. Our Mum was vivacious, bubbly, funny, loving, supportive, caring, beautiful and the Best Mum ever. 

Her tenacity in dealing with such a diagnosis and putting her kids first was a testament to her strength. Talking of strength.. back in 1984, she completed the Comrades Marathon alongside our Dad (Grenville), who we lost in 2003, in a time of 10:41:15 and 10:44:20 respectively. (Amazing times by the way)!! Growing up in South Africa, this race is awe inspiring. It's a gruelling 90km race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban up and down a very lumpy route (lumpy, being very very hilly)! 

I hope to emulate their amazing achievements in June this year by completing the Comrades marathon. Leading up to this event I'll be competing in:

1. the Amersham Ultra (50km) race in March

2. Brighton Marathon (April)

3. Race to the sea (50km) race in May

4. Hosting the MND muscle marathon challenge (24 hours of Personal training sessions)!

I'll be raising money throughout- and would love any donations you're able to spare. Thanks so much for reading and supporting!