Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page supporting the MND Association and in particular, the Reading & West Berkshire Branch.

After finding out 12 months ago about a very close friend and fellow past captain of Donnington Grove GC (Newbury) having been diagnosed with this cruel disease, it has constantly been on my mind to do something to help raise awareness. It also seems very apt timing given the recent sad news and passing of Rob Burrow CBE aged just 41 and MND patron.

This sure is one hell of a horrible disease and one of which there is currently no cure. We need to help raise essential funds to aid further research and hopefully find a cure!

Therefore, in order to try and do my bit, I am setting myself a challenge of playing snooker constantly for a whole 24 hour period on Saturday 28th September at Trinity Snooker Club, Henley-On-Thames. Having played in the league for a vast number of years, I will be joined by a few local players and long term friends, as well as some who have been on the WST or have been highly ranked on the amateur circuit. This should be a great fund raiser but certainly a stiff challenge - so it would be great to have your support. However big or small a donation - every penny will be a massive help and greatly appreciated indeed.

To gain a better understanding of my close friend and his diagnosis, he has kindly put together the following for me to share with you:-

Hi, my name is Graham Attridge. Thank you for making the effort to support Jon with this fundraising event on behalf of myself, my wife and all of the MND family.

I was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in April 2023. At that point my life, which was fairly active, changed forever.

I had been experiencing muscle twitching, spasms around my body and loss of muscle strength, particularly in my arms. As I was a regular golfer, this began to effect my game. It had taken over a year of investigation and ruling out other explanations, before the consultant was able to give that simple but earth shattering diagnosis.

At this point, no one could say how the disease would progress, quickly or slowly, whether it would spread to all parts of the body or remain, at least for a while in the upper limbs.

One year on and it seems to be progressing slowly and remaining currently in the arms. Each day presents new challenges from the simple act of dressing and eating to wanting to continue to play golf (without much success) and cycling, which has now progressed to occasionally going out with a friend on a tandem bike. I even once, on holiday recently, thought I could hit a snooker ball but decided against it as I would probably have caused more damage to the table! I’ve now focused myself on playing chess remotely, which I enjoy, and continue to remain positive despite the challenges!

Through it all I have had the support of my amazing wife and we have both found refuge in our local MNDA charity through monthly meetings and sponsor visits. I cannot over state just how brilliant the local group has been who are made up of volunteers who themselves have been affected by MND either through family members or friends.

I try to support my golf club, Donnington Grove in Newbury by volunteering to Marshall when it’s needed. It is in this context, that my old friend Jon comes in.

I first met Jon at the golf club. It was his captaincy year and he asked me to be the members rep. I fully immersed myself in the club and have Jon to thank for starting me off in my commitment to Donnington Grove and its members. Typical of Jon, when he heard my news he had a compulsion to do something that would make a difference and raise the profile and understanding of what MND is. Hence the 24 hour snooker challenge was launched.

Thank you to you all for participating and supporting this challenge in whatever way you do.

As one living with MND, it means so much to know that others care and we are not alone. Hopefully the money raised will eventually find an cure to eradicate this cruel disease.

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.

It really would mean the world if you were able to support me in this challenge. Do also feel free to share and spread the word for me too!

Much love and thanks again!

Jon x