In America they refer to it as ALS; in the UK it is known as MND.  Whatever you call it, it has the same devastating effect.  Motor Neurone Disease is always fatal; they don`t know what causes it; and there is no known cure. It can affect anyone at anytime.  All muscle function is gradually lost including the muscles that enable you to speak, to swallow food, and to breath air.  On average, its victims die within 14 months of diagnosis. 

We have been inspired by Ashley Morgan, who is living with MND, to take part in the Great South Run to raise money for the MND Association.  Half of the money we raise will help provide essential care and specialist equipment, and the other half will go towards much needed medical research benefiting sufferers all over the world both now and in the future.

The 10-mile run takes place in Portsmouth, England on the 24^th of October.  We`ll be there fit and ready to go, and Ashley will be there on her mobility scooter cheering us on.  We would like you to be part of it too.  Please sponsor us.  Here are our stories:

Jo Riddy:  I have decided to take on this challenge for Ashley because she is a very close friend of mine.  I am also her support worker and carer, and I see her struggle all the time to do the simplest things that we all take for granted.  Running 10 miles will be a big challenge for me, but I`m determined to do it because living with MND is an even bigger challenge for Ashley.  This is very important to me, which is why I am asking you to dig deep and donate whatever you can.  Please help us fight this dreadful and cruel disease, because Ashley is dying.  She`s dying for a cure!

Mariah Pittman:  I found out my aunt Ashley had MND/ALS about 7 years ago.  Since then, I’ve watched her lose her ability to walk and move about easily.  This has hit home since she invited me to live with her this summer.  Since moving from the States to England, I’ve watched in awe as she has given speeches for the Motor Neurone Disease Association to help raise money for research.  A couple years ago, she did her Shortest Walk Challenge and raised over £5,000 for the MND Association.  She is an inspiration.  I’d do anything to give her my legs, even for just a day, but I can’t.  What I can do is train those legs to run the Great South Run and raise as much money as I can toward finding a cure.  Ashley, and everyone else living with MND, I am doing this for you.