The photo on this fundraising page was taken 12 months before dad's diagnosis but 6 months into investigations into what was going on with Dad's body. Mostly dropped foot and muscle wasting on the same leg at that time.

In September 2016 Dad was officially diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and 10 months later he died.  In the middle of that 10 months mum had a stroke and was in hospital for 2 months. It was a little full on and we all needed all the support we could get. 

We are so grateful for the MND society and local MND support community for all the advice, love and care we received over that time. 

Thrown into the deep end of that world, understanding that there is no cure; prognosis is very difficult to predict straight away and that the way you deteriorate and then die is nothing short of devastating - it was a lot to take in. 

Dad you were always a huge supporter of the sport I got involved in, you travelled the country to be there at the start and the end of so many races and challenges I took on.  

So Dad, this run, my first marathon in 17 years is for you and all those who are currently suffering with MND and need support. For the families and friends who support them too.  

I will run as hard as I can. 

I promise never to take for granted that I can play sport, I can talk, I can clear my throat and swallow, I can breathe unaided, eat what I want and be independent.  Some of the things that were taken from you over those 10 months.

I'm trying in a small way to raise some awareness and give a little back. 

Read on to for a little more info and what your money could be used for:

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a progressive disease that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.

MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. However, not all symptoms necessarily happen to everyone and it is unlikely they will all develop at the same time, or in any specific order.

Although there is currently no cure for MND, symptoms can be managed to help you achieve the best possible quality of life.

We need your support.

£120 could provide an overbed table, making it easier for someone with MND to eat, drink and read safely and comfortably in bed

£230 could fund the coordination of care for someone with MND at a Care Centre for a year

£500 could provide a tablet device with specialist communication software, allowing someone to communicate with loved ones

£750 could fund an MND expert researcher for a week