Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

Update 10/04

Just to let you know how I got on yesterday. I finished with a time of 1h56m after struggling with a re-occuring knee injury for the last 4-5 miles (which hurt!). It was a fantastic day for running and I'm pleased to say that training for and running the half marathon has given me back my running bug. After my knee is sorted out I will be doing more events like this and will be back to get the time I know I can do. A big thank you to everyone who came to cheer me on around and at the end of the course, your support on the day made a big difference.

I cannot describe how grateful I am for everyones donations. With all the money passed to me away from this site the final figure will be somewhere in the region of £5,000 I didn't imagine I would raise anywhere near this kind of sum so I really am very grateful.

Until next year (I have a personal goal not yet achieved) , all the best.

UPDATE

Sadly but with some relief mums suffering ended early on Wednesday March 8th. The response to this webpage has been incredible and I thank everyone for their generosity. The messages of condolences we have been receiving are making it that much easier for us through this difficult time.

Most of you will know why I have chosen MND as my chosen charity. For those who don't, sadly my mother was diagnosed with MND two and a half years ago. The typical lifespan after diagnosis is 3 - 5 years.

In June 2003 my mum was experiencing pain in her right arm. As a full time secretary, RSI was thought to be the most probable cause. By September of that year MND had been diagnosed. The way my mum and dad handled the diagnosis was inspirational. They both took early retirement and travelled to as many places as they wanted to see in the time they had left. This ranged from a cruise along the coast of Norway to see the Northern lights to a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. The photo opposite was taken in July 04 at my sisters wedding when mum was still able to walk with the aid of a stick. Through the following year she was confined to a wheelchair and today is confined her chair or her bed barely able to move or communicate.

This may seem like a horrible description but I feel it is important to know that these are the symptoms and that there is no known cause or cure for MND. The money I raise will go towards research that may be able to help people in the future.

Those of you close to me will know the impact this has had on me and my family. I don't normally like asking for money but on this one occasion would like to raise a a large sum of money by running the Reading Half Marathon. I've been training hard for this event and aim to complete it in less than 1hr 40mins. If, while running, I see that 1hr 30mins is possible then trust me I'll go for it! This would knock a massive amount of time off my previous attempt of 1hr 54mins that I did 9 years ago. Here's hoping that what they say about endurance coming with age is true!

Please help me do something special.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: 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.

Many thanks for your support.