As many of you know, my grandad passed away just before Christmas, after battling with motor neurone disease for a number of years. He was never a great fan of religion and didn't want a funeral, so this half marathon is my memorial to him.

In the end his condition deteriorated so rapidly that, despite being with him when he passed, there was never the chance to say goodbye. Joe Peters, however, was ever-so-northern and ever-so-Yorkshire, and would have indulged in none of that emotional talk.

Another thing he never spoke about was just how much he suffered with motor neurone disease, how it slowly took his freedom from him and gradually left him unable to move and unable to live his life. Despite his lack of complaining, he did suffer. And I'm sure it was every bit as unbearable for him as it was for us to watch.

Joe Peters isn't suffering anymore, but many others are. And that's something he would never stand by and watch, so because we're all fortunate enough to be able to do things such as use a computer and fish out our credit cards without needing someone else's help, I'm asking you to donate to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

They provide support to those suffering with MND and to their families. The amount of care needed for someone with MND is vast; everything from eating to washing, to simply listening to the radio requires the help of another person, be they family or health professionals. And then there's the emotional support, which is possibly the hardest part.

But you can help. You can show your support by donating today. Nothing will bring back those lost to MND, but you could make 2013 a better year for all those still fighting.

You can find out more about motor neurone disease and about the work of the MNDA at http://www.mndassociation.org/

Most importantly, you can donate to MNDA on this very page, by sponsoring me in the Silverstone Half Marathon which I'll be running in March.