Thank you for visiting my Just Giving page. I have decided to run this year’s Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, taking place on 11 May 2025. Here is why.

As a rugby fan, I followed Rob Burrow’s story. There were many things that resonated with me – he was two weeks older than me and, like him, I have three children of a similar age. Thinking about how I would feel if Katie and the kids had to go through what Rob’s family has really stopped me in my tracks. But when Rob sadly lost his battle with MND and left us with those powerful final few words of his BBC documentary, he inspired me to take on the marathon.

“Whatever your personal battle, be brave and face it. In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream.”

I understand what it is to have your physical health get in the way of your ambitions. As some of you will know, I experienced sight loss in my mid-teens due to a genetic condition that means I am registered blind. While I have adapted to life living with it, I’d always just thought that a huge physical challenge like a marathon was not something I’d ever be able to do. This was reinforced further in my early thirties when a cancerous tumour resulted in me losing almost a third of my lung.

In the past couple of years, I had started to take more care of my fitness, but I think I’d convinced myself that I’d never be able to run any real distance. Rob’s words really made me question everything and re-evaluate all those things that I thought were unachievable. To see the bravery Rob showed, and the things he achieved in spite of his health, really hit home with me and so I decided “why can’t I run a marathon?”

I asked Katie to book me a place in the marathon as a Father’s Day present from my children. I really want them to always believe that anything is possible, whatever the circumstances and to face things head on. This is certainly the lesson I took from Rob Burrow and I am incredibly grateful to him for that.

I am now well and truly in to my training and, while I am really looking forward to the marathon on 11 May, I am also a bit terrified!

I am raising money for the MND Association and any contribution you are able to make to my fundraising target is very gratefully received and hugely appreciated.

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 again.