This year I have decided to run my first ever marathon and will be running for motor neurone disease association (mnda).

Most of you won't know, but for the last 10 years or so my sister, Helen, had been struggling with worsening symptoms such as slurred speech, stiffness and weakness in the legs causing mobility issues and balance issues causing frequent tripping and falls amongst other issues.

Finally at the end of last year and 10 years of tests and appointments, Helen finally received a formal diagnosis of Primary Lateral sclerosis (PLS). This is a very rare form of MND accounting for only 3 in every 100 cases of MND, or roughly only 60 people in the whole of the UK.

PLS affects the upper motor neurons in the arms, legs, and face. It occurs when nerve cells in the motor regions of the cerebral cortex (the thin layer of cells covering the brain which is responsible for most higher-level mental functions) gradually degenerate, causing movements to be slow and effortful.

The disorder often affects the legs first, followed by the body, arms and hands, and finally the bulbar muscles (muscles that control speech, swallowing, and chewing).

Whilst luckily PLS is not life shortening, it is life limiting, with the symptoms only slowly getting worse and with no known cure.

Please donate what you can to help further fund research not only for PLS, but all forms of MND.

#TEAMmnd