Many of you know that my Dad (John) died of a rare illness called Multiple System Atrophy or MSA as it is better known.

MSA is a degenerative neurological condition that affects both adult men and women.  MSA is caused by degeneration of nerve cells in specific areas of the brain.  This cell degeneration causes problems with movement, balance and automatic functions of the body.

It is a rare, progressive condition, for which there is yet no cure.

Before my Dad's illness he was a fun loving and active man, spending many hours at the gym and playing squash.   By the end of Dad's life he was confined to a wheel chair and needed round the clock care.

The Sarah Matheson Trust was formed to help people living with and caring for MSA.  The trust works to alleviate the isolation and the lack of information these people face.

I am running the Great South Run on 25th October 2009 in memory of my Dad.  So please help me raise money for the Sarah Matheson Trust to help the sufferers of this horrible disease. 

Any donation, large or small, will be greatly appreciated and hopefully we will find a cure so people will not have to suffer like my Dad.

 

More information on the Sarah Matheson Trust and MSA can be found at www.msaweb.co.uk.

 

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