In May, I’m running the Leeds Marathon—not just for the challenge, but for something far bigger. I’m doing it in memory of my dad, Steve Welsh, who passed away from Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in November 2023.

MND is an absolute bastard of a disease. It takes everything—your ability to move, talk, eat, even breathe—while your mind stays fully aware. There’s no cure, and watching someone you love go through it is heartbreaking. My dad went through that fight, and so did we as a family. The only thing that made it even slightly bearable was the incredible care he got from the MND team in Leeds. That’s why I’m raising money for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND—to help other families get the same support.

Why This Charity?

The Rob Burrow Centre for MND, run by Leeds Hospitals Charity, is being built to provide world-class care for people with MND and their families. It’s named after Rob Burrow, the Leeds Rhinos legend who fought this disease with nothing but courage and positivity. His battle brought massive awareness to MND, and his legacy lives on through this centre. In North Leeds, where Rob was a hero, MND has sadly hit far too many families, mine included.

This centre will make a real difference. It’ll give people the dignity, care, and support they deserve—because right now, the facilities simply aren’t good enough for what people with MND go through.

The Marathon and the Training

The Leeds Marathon is no joke. It’s 26.2 miles, packed with hills, winding roads, and plenty of moments where I’ll question my life choices. It’s going to be brutal, but compared to what people with MND go through, it’s nothing.

Training-wise, I’m in for a 12-week slog of:

Long runs (building up to 20+ miles) to make sure I can actually finish.

Hill sessions, because Leeds isn’t exactly flat.

Strength work, so my legs don’t give up on me.

Mental battles, because running for hours is as much about headspace as it is fitness.

I’ll be turning up on race day absolutely knackered but determined to get round.

How You Can Help

I’m aiming to raise £1,000 for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND. Every penny will go towards helping families like mine, making sure they get the care and support they need.

If you can spare anything—even just a few quid—it’ll mean the world. And if you can’t, just sharing this would help get the word out.

Cheers for reading, and thanks for any support. Let’s do this for my dad, for Rob, and for everyone fighting MND.