Melissa's uncle, Mike Kellond, died on 13^th June 2005 after a five year battle against Motor Neurone Disease, a terminal illness which causes the nerve cells around the body to degenerate.  He died from pneumonia – a common cause of death for MND sufferers – and by this time he had lost all use of his arms and legs, was struggling to breathe and swallow and could barely talk.  His mind, however, was unaffected.

While there is currently no cure for MND the Motor Neurone Disease Association is funding a great deal of research into potential cures and there is increasing hope that there will be a breakthrough. 

In his memory we have set up a special tribute fund at the MNDA and are trying to raise £10k to go towards researching a cure so that other people need not suffer as he - and all his family - did.  We are already nearly halfway there thanks to the wonderful support we have received from our friends.

In April 2005, at her sister's suggestion, Melissa took up running and in September completed the Hydroactive 5k Women's Challenge, raising money for the MNDA.  Chris also then took up running and together we both completed the Manuden 10k Fun Run last October.

 

Now we have set ourselves a slightly bigger challenge (!) and are delighted to be running the 2007 London Marathon in aid of the MNDA, and in memory of Mike.  We just wish he could have been here to see us do it.

When we first embarked on this whole project we set ourselves a fundraising target of £4,000.  Thanks to the amazing generosity of our friends, family and colleagues we have surpassed this total and a second target of £6,000.  Please don't let the fact that we have passed our target put you off sponsoring us - we promise you this is extremely hard work and the more money we raise for the MNDA, the more worthwhile all our efforts will have been.  Please dig deep and sponsor us online.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: the Motor Neurone Disease Association will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor us now!

If you want to see just how hard we are working to get ready for the big day you can go to our on-line training blog - http://www.realbuzz.com/network/myBlogs/blog.php?blog=3719

We are so grateful for your support - thank you very much.