Thank you for taking the time to visit my fundraising page. When my mum lost her hard-fought battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in November 2008, our lives changed forever. Mum was only 39 when she passed away, leaving behind her 6 incredibly loved children. Losing mum was a huge shock – without a definitive diagnosis, we never gave up hope that one day she would be getting better, even when her health continued to deteriorate rapidly. The harsh reality that mum was never going to be one of those medical miracle cases hit hard. Coping with our heart-breaking loss has been incredibly difficult. Every day I wake up thinking about her and all the other families still struggling with the same challenges and having to cope with the realisation that currently there is no cure for this cruel disease.

Fundraising for the MND Association in memory of our wonderful mum has given us the opportunity to support others affected by MND and help to fund vital research into a cure. By raising awareness and funds, we are making a difference and hope that one day soon, we will see a world free from MND.

I started my fundraising journey in 2017 and have raised over£14,000 in support of the MND Association in the last couple of years through running and other fundraising events. Our inaugural Big Steps of Hope Tribute Walk to D'Feet MND was held on 25th August 2019, when mum would have celebrated her 50th birthday. Big Steps of Hope was our way of honouring her on her special day and celebrating her life. It was a day to remember the wonderful mother she was and help to support a cause that is close to our hearts. The event raised over £3,500 to help to support the wonderful work of the MND Association for people living with Motor Neurone Disease.

We are incredibly proud that Big Steps of Hope is now an annual event in aid of the MND Association that serves as a tribute to our much-missed mum, and is an opportunity to bring together others affected by this heart-breaking disease to join our efforts towards a cure. In 2020, our series of virtual walk and steps challenges as part of Big Steps of Hope raised over £16,500 and we look forward to continuing our support for people living with MND, their families and carers in memory of mum in 2021. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your fantastic support and generous contributions! Your donations truly mean the world and will help to make a difference to so many people affected by MND.