Earlier this year Ashleigh's mum aka Julie "Mama" Meale was diagnosed with the early stages of Multiple Sclerosis. Since then Julie has faced her up and downs but continues to "crack on" with a smile on her face. She has been as strong as an ox in never complaining or letting the illness get her down, all this despite going through some very difficult times.

She is an inspiration to all of her family and to show her our full support me and my good friends Ben Lewis, Neil Bayton & Tom Fuller will be running the Athens Marathon 2018 in order to raise awareness and much-needed funds for the MS International Foundation. This amazing organisation helps fund global research and offers support to those either directly or indirectly affected.

The event itself is the original route which founded all other marathon routes that have followed. Our aim is to train hard, smash the course ... and avoid the fate of the legendary Philippides (for those non-historians among you, feel free to Google the story).

Training will no doubt be a struggle as me and Neil are getting old (combined age of 80) so feel free to take the piss out of us along the way. Ben, Tom; you boys have no excuse being a mere "young pups". Anyone that knows me, will know that I personally respond well when being taunted so I expect a full barrage from a number of you :)

All funds will be gladly appreciated, so no matter how big or small, every penny will be going towards eradicating this horrible disease. Wish us both luck and feel free to track our gruelling 14-week training program over the coming weeks. Everyone knows I am a social media wanker so rest assured I will be plastering all of your feeds with "motivational" running content.

Updates to follow and thank you to everyone that is able to donate ... now take out your phones or laptops and get donating.

Cheers,

Geary, Ben, Neil and Tom x