In 2007, my Dad was a college lecturer who loved food, rugby and sharing a laugh with his many friends and his family.

By 2008, he was unable to talk, walk, eat, drink or carry out even the most basic of tasks.  That was all down to Motor Neurone Disease.  It's a condition that attacks the body's nerves, weakening and destroying the network the body uses to move messages from your brain to your limbs. The type that Dad had was terminal, with no known cure. 

Every day was a battle for him and the many people who helped us care for him.  A lot of this help has came from the charity MNDA and this is why I've decided to put a team of runners together to raise money for them in this month's Birmingham Half-Marathon.

Instead of buying me a pint for my impendign 30th - stick a couple of quid on here instead. If times are tight due to the credit crunch, I'll cut you a deal - you sponsor me  a pound for every time you've laughed at a Stephen Hawking joke - and we'll call it quits.

Thanks for your time - and hopefully your money - see you at the finish line.

JC

NB - Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Motor Neurone Disease Association gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Any money you choose to donate will go to helping families deal with the massive impact that this condition has on their lives.