I Ricky Lennan be running the Loch Ness Marathon and Diane, Aidan & Ciaran will be running the 10k & 5k on the 24th September 2017, I have been training hard for the biggest run I have ever done. Diane and the boys have been trainjng hard too. we are running to raise money for 3 causes 1st to help Aidan with his kickboxing, Aidan will be grading for his black belt in September and we are also hoping to raise funds to help him reach his goal of fighting at the WAKO Irish Open in March 2018, the Irish Open is the biggest kickboxing competition in the world, with the best fighters from around the world attending the 5 day event in Dublin.

Aidan has so far this year became WKA Scottish Champion, WKC Scottish Champion, 3x WKA British Champion and WAKO European Junior Cup Champion also getting a Silver and a Bronze at the WAKO British Championships.

I would also like to raise awareness and some money for research into a cause close to my heart, a family friends daughter has Batten Disease.

Batten disease is an extremely rare and fatal autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder that begins in childhood. It is the most common form of a group of disorders called the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs).

As the illness progresses, specialist equipment and aids will become necessary. Items are likely to include specialist seating, buggies/wheelchairs, supportive aids and equipment for visual impairment, bathing and toileting aids, hoisting equipment and a specialist bed/mattress.

It is likely that changes will be needed in the home environment to enable the family to appropriately care for an individual with the disease. These may include installing ramps, widening doorways and providing suitable floor surfaces. A purpose-built wet room with a specialist bath or shower is commonly needed and there are various other aspects that will require consideration.

We also want to raise money & awareness for The Scottish Huntingtons association. we are sure most of you know that this is a cause close to our hearts, Dianes childhood friend passed away in 2013 and her brother soon after in 2014, we also have really a good family friend who is affected by this disease.

Huntington disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes uncontrolled movements, emotional problems, and loss of thinking ability (cognition).

Adult-onset Huntington disease, the most common form of this disorder, usually appears in a person's thirties or forties. Early signs and symptoms can include irritability, depression, small involuntary movements, poor coordination, and trouble learning new information or making decisions. Many people with Huntington disease develop involuntary jerking or twitching movements known as chorea. As the disease progresses, these movements become more pronounced. Affected individuals may have trouble walking, speaking, and swallowing. People with this disorder also experience changes in personality and a decline in thinking and reasoning abilities. Individuals with the adult-onset form of Huntington disease usually live about 15 to 20 years after signs and symptoms begin.

Any money we raise will be split 3 ways equally between Battens Disease charity bdfa-uk.org.uk, Aidan's Fight Fund and The Scottish Huntingtons Assiciation.