I would like to introduce Phil and his family. Phil is a school friend and in September 2014 he was diagnosed with, “Motor Neuron Disease” otherwise known as MND. Motor Neurone disease (MND) is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves. It causes weakness that gets worse over time. It's nearly always fatal and can significantly shorten life expectancy, but some people live with it for many years.

There's no cure, but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person’s daily life.

At first the disease impacted Phil with weakness starting in his right arm and general deterioration over the first few years. However, the impact of this disease has increased dramatically over the last three years and he has lost all mobility in his legs and arms, needing a ventilation machine at night to help him breathe. Phil operated as normal a life for as long as he possibly could, working as an Apprenticeship Recruitment Manager at Trafford College in Manchester. Unfortunately, Phil knew that he could no longer work and had to retire in April 2019. Phil now requires carers morning and night with the disease impeding his ability to eat and now having to have feeding tubes fitted in April this year to support what everyone else takes for granted. Phil has a fantastic family and has been married to Rachel for 18 years and brought two beautiful daughters; Daisy (13) and Farrah (6) into this world.

Phil never thought in his wildest dreams that he would still be here now to enjoy their lives. Everyday this condition means that Phil needs help with the fundamentals in life like getting dressed, showering and eating. He is an inspiration, demonstrating strong mental toughness which should be used as true motivation for us all.

I will be running the Manchester Marathon on the 5th April 2020 in support of Phil and his family. All donations being provided to him to hopefully make his live a little easier. MND is relentless and very challenging I hope that you can find it in your heart to donate.

Thanking you in advance…………….. Mike.