Dear Friends, Colleagues, Clients

Many of you will know of motor neurone disease, perhaps through personal experience or through the recent high profile cases in the sporting arena with the likes of Rob Burrow, Doddie Weir and Stephen Darby all of whom are fighting their own battles against this unrelenting degenerative illness. It is a rare and terminal illness which causes loss of nerve cells leading to gradual wasting of muscles, paralysis and eventually death, typically within 3-5 years. There is currently no cure and no real treatment. Across the world, research has been making great strides in identifying the different causal pathways and potential treatments but so much more is needed to translate research into effective therapies in time for those suffering to benefit.

Closer to home, Pat Keenan, Knight Frank’s Head of Retail, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2021. It was a crushing blow to someone so seemingly healthy, fit and in the prime of life. And for Pat’s family, the news was devastating (many of you will know he is married with two young children) and so they are, together, facing the awful realities of this disease and an uncertain future. Alongside, James Clarke, Knight Frank’s Head of London Sales in Residential has also been diagnosed with MND and is also fundraising towards the cause.

So the Retail & Capital Markets team have decided to do our bit to attack this beast of an illness by raising funds for the leading MNDA research charity – the Motor Neurone Disease Association – in the hope that it brings the prospect of a treatment that little bit closer for Pat, James and for all of those suffering now and in the future.

For our second event The Knight Frank Team will be walking a marathon along the River Thames in London to raise cash for this incredibly worthy and personal cause on 4 August 2023.

As always, we like to aim high with a £26k target (£1k per mile marched) and we’d really appreciate your help in the form of a donation to get us towards our target. Thank you so much for anything you are able to contribute !

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