Pete Hogg
Pete's MNDA Marathon 2023
Fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease Association
Story
Since a close friend of mine, Chris Rice, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) – a devastating, debilitating, and terminal illness (also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease) – I have seen first hand that every day has been a challenge for him. 8 years ago he was given just 2 years to live (the average life expectancy after an MND diagnosis is 2 years) but despite the challenges of a degenerative illness causing him to become disabled, he refuses to give in to it and still maintains some independence and even continues to work with the support of his employer, Tesco.
Inspired by Chris and others who battle through this condition every day knowing that there is no cure, I’ve been supporting the MND Association by taking on an annual fundraising challenge. The charity provides care for those with the condition who lose their independence, and support research into a cure.
In 2023 I will be taking on the ultimate challenge – running a marathon!
That's 42.2 km (or 26.2 miles) in a single race.
To put that distance into perspective; the record for farthest distance ever run by a player in a Premier League football match is 13.7km (Bernardo Silva V Liverpool in 2019). Imagine doing that three times over and then some!
I am not a runner. I have never liked running – particularly for distance. A five-minute warm up jog or short sprint when playing sport is about all the running you would ever see me do. So, going from not running at all to running a marathon, with just 20 weeks of training, is pretty crazy – even for me!
Why am I doing this? For someone with MND, every day is a challenge. The fact that it is going to be immensely difficult and take me miles (literally) out of my comfort zone is a good reason why I should do it. Or, as JFK famously said:
"We do these things not because they are easy, but because they are hard!"
Please help me reach my goal and help MNDA find a cure by showing your support and donating to this great cause.
The MND Association focus on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. By sponsoring me your money will help people affected by Motor Neurone Disease. Once you donate, JustGiving will send your money directly to the MND Association. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure, your details are safe - they'll never sell them or send unwanted emails.
Thank you for your support!