This year is different. We have a reason to do The Great North Run and raise money for a charity that is very close to our hearts and prove to ourselves that we can actually run 13.1 miles if we put our minds to it! Back in December 2022, Joy was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) which came as a huge shock to us all.

Motor neuron disease (MND) is a group of neurological disorders that primarily affect the cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement, called motor neurons. It is characterised by the progressive degeneration and loss of these motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventually paralysis. The exact cause of MND is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

There are currently 5,000 people living with MND in the UK right now, 6 people die from MND each day and 1/3 people die within a year of being diagnosed with MND. There is currently no cure for MND, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Although Joy has been diagnosed with this awful disease, she is very lucky to have a loving husband who cares for her everyday and makes sure she has everything she needs at home to make her life as comfortable, easy and happy as possible. However this isn’t always the case for MND sufferers, which is where MND Assocation comes in. MND Assocation provides a range of support, such as financial support grants, equipment loan, communication aid services, wheelchairs and so much more. Without the help and support from MND Association many sufferers would struggle in their day to day life!

It’s an honour to run with Joy’s daughters, my ginger twinnie, Emma and Laura this year to raise money for this vital charity.

We would all be so grateful for any donation to help run this fantastic organisation.

Thank you.