In April last year my step-dad Brian was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and sadly passed away at the beginning of March.  This is a devastating disease that attacks the nerves that control movement, so that muscles no longer work. Something that has really shocked me since last year is how little is currently known about the disease, including cause and prognosis.

There is no known cure for MND, nor are there any drugs which slow down the rate of deterioration. When you receive diagnosis doctors can only give you a life expectancy based on the mean. MND kills a third of people within a year and more than half within two years of diagnosis. 

Even though so little in known, MNDA is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland focused on MND care, research and campaigning. My personal experience and that of my mum and Brian over the last year has opened my eyes to the great need for research. So on that note, to the marathons in question.

Will and I have decided to run to raise money. As a newbie to the marathon scene I will be running Edinburgh at the end of May. As Will has already completed 2 he is challenging himself to run 2 within a month; he will run London in April and then join me for Edinburgh in May. 

Any support you can give us, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated.

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