First of all, a massive THANK YOU for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I have been telling people that I will run the London Marathon for a number of years now but after not getting through the ballot stage in 2 years this time round was different, I had to do it this year and I had to do it for MND. The following explains why.

My father in law (Barry) was a very proud man 8 years ago as he walked his daughter down the aisle to hand her over to me. He had been nurturing a bad back for the last 12 months and was clearly restricted in what he could do but such was his determination that his daughters big day went perfectly he didn't let on. 2 months later, when he couldn't hide it any longer as he had to retire as a plumber and use walking aids he had to have the conversation that everyone dreads to have to tell their children - that they have an degenerative illness that has no cure. He had worn this burden for 10 months and the dignity, bravery and sheer determination that he has shown in the last 8 years as this horrible illness has taken control of his body is my inspiration. If I can summon half the mental strength and determination that he has then this event should be a walk in the park!

After we nearly lost him twice last year as he was hospitalised with pneumonia he has fought back. Virtually paralysed from the next down he doesn't grumble of complain about the rough hand he has been dealt. Instead he fights, hard, every day as he wants to see his daughter and 2 grandchildren grow as old as possible and he is truly remarkable in his outset for this but to see someone you know, someone you love and someone you know has so much more to give 'locked' away in a body that no longer functions is devastating and I cannot sit back and do nothing about this any longer.

I have been shocked about the lack of knowledge, facilities and general support within the NHS and local communities for sufferers of MND and their immediate families and carers and it is clear that whilst the ice-bucket challenge raised awareness (and a seriously significant amount of money) that a lot more is required to conquer this devastating disease that you wouldn't wish upon anyone.

I will be running both the Silverstone Half-Marathon and the London Marathon with Barry in my mind and ask you all to dig as deep as you can to support the cause. Please feel free to check out the work that the MND association do and what the money is spent on.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.