My sister-in-law, Verity (33), has an extremely rare degenerative genetic condition called MNGIE (mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy). MNGIE is a life-shortening disease. It is so rare that only 200 people have been diagnosed with it worldwide.

Verity is a much-loved mum, wife, daughter, sister, friend as well as a respected and adored primary school teacher.

Due to the condition’s rarity, the NHS currently offers little in the way of treatment options. Without treatment, the future looks bleak. Verity’s older sister has tragically already succumbed to MNGIE, passing away at the age of 42. Verity’s other sister also sadly has the condition. I could not live with myself unless I did all I can to help give Verity, my brother Josh and my wonderful nephew Noah the best chance at a happy and full life.

Learn more about Verity’s story here: Verity Grainger JustGiving

Thankfully, there is a treatment available which was trialled in the UK just two years ago with really promising results for MNGIE, but for which no funding is currently available. Verity’s family have worked tirelessly and have: a neurologist to oversee the trial; obtained costs from the manufacturer to administer the treatment; and confirmed that St Georges Hospital in Tooting will be able to host Verity and her sister whilst they undergo treatment.

The treatment comes at a considerable expense, £500,000! (Not including the JustGiving fees). Understandably, our family cannot raise this sum alone and we need help to get there. That's where you come in.

So what’s the challenge?

Given I am asking for sponsorship, I needed to make the challenge hard on a personal level, so have decided to enter my first marathon. I have been regularly running for a few years, but only up to about 7km, so this will be a totally different ball game.

I’m going to aim to complete the Brighton Marathon on Sunday 2nd April.

Whilst the course is pretty flat, being able to cover this distance will be a big deal for me as I am starting from only running short distances, with only 12 weeks to train for the big day.

I will need to really focus on my training to make it happen and any support on the day to get me over the line would be very welcome!

Please give generously to this cause which is so close to my heart. Sadly, time is not on my family's side, so we need to get to our target asap to give Verity the best chance at life.