In 2006 our father, Rory, was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)and died within three months of the initial onset of symptoms. 

CJD is one of a group of rare brain disorders known as prion diseases which occur both in humans and certain animals. The infectious agent, or prion, attacks the brain, killing cells. 

Early symptoms of CJD include minor lapses of memory, mood changes and loss of interest. Within weeks an infected person may complain of clumsiness and feeling muddled, become unsteady in walking and may exhibit slow or slurred speech.

People affected by CJD usually die within six months of early symptoms, often from pneumonia although in a minority of patients the disease may take two years to run its course.

Following diagnosis for Rory we contacted the CJD Support Network, a patient support group providing help and support for people with all strains of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, their carers and concerned professionals.

Throughout this distressing time they helped provide invaluable support enabling us to understand the symptoms typically experienced by patients and the scientific research being undertaken in connection to all four strands of CJD.  This is a true patient support network as we quickly connected with other families who had similarly encountered the devastating effects CJD can have upon both individuals and families.

Throughout his life Rory was always active; running, swimming, cycling or gardening.  He was as fit a fiddle & the only day he would insist on NOT going on a training run was the day of the London Marathon.  He would state with pride, 'I'm not going out running tonight as people will think I've watched the marathon on TV and have hopes of entering it next year.  I'll go every other night of the year instead.' 

Various family members first committed to running in his memory during 2006, plodding away in the 10 mile Sutton Fun Run which was an event he often participated in. Over time our stamina and distances has increased & this year we were fortunate to be alloted spaces so its now time for the BIG ONE and to make Rory proud! 

We've both previously ran marathons but this time we plan to do it raising funds for an invaluable organisation who helped us through difficult times.  Not only that, but we plan to have a serious go at the magical four hour mark.  It's a big, big ask but lets see!

Every little counts so please feel free to donate as little or as much as you can.  Every single penny is appreciated and will help similarly affected familes cope with the distress of their friends or families being diagnosed with the illness.  Our target of £2,500 will help cover the costs of an annual conference held in Birmingham and contribute towards running the CJD Support Network Helpline that provides 24 hour emotional and physical support.  How about dangling us a carrot in performance related pay by donating again if we hit four hours!

There's lots of hard hours training in progress but it will all be worth it with your support.  Think of us on the day, even try and look out for us on the TV, you might see us!!

For more details on our chosen fundraising charity please see www.cjdsupport.net/