So, why are we attempting 7 Olympic distance triathlons in just 7 days? There’s no doubt the way in which Rob Burrow has faced up to this most harsh of diseases is a very real and genuine inspiration. Plus, Kevin Sinfield’s support of a much-loved team-mate in undertaking a phenomenal 7 marathons in 7 days shows what can be achieved through friendship and camaraderie.

 Add to that, the fact that Mike (the old one in our group) has been touched by MND.  His sister-in-law’s first husband, his close friends' mum and a past footballing team-mate all succumbed to the merciless grip of MND.   All these experiences have motivated us as a family, to tackle a challenge where failure is a very real possibility.

 We are really looking forward to the freedom of the open water and the open road. We’re looking forward to the time we spend together, trying to achieve something special and we’re also hoping to raise some money for the MND Association.  

 There is plenty that we’re dreading..... Tom likes to do everything at pace and is slightly anxious of a road bike and the proximity of traffic. Mike is likely to pull a calf muscle, a hamstring or hear an Achilles ping at any moment and will probably do all three. Joe and Ally are just in the process of buying their first wetsuits and have negligible swimming experience outside a holiday resort pool and not many people complete an open water triathlon by doggy-paddling.

 Between us we have completed 30 triathlons but the old fella has done 27 of them!  

 This plan is to complete 1,442km/896 miles as a group. Oh dear – that looks scary when written down.

The MND Association is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland dedicated to improve care and support for people affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND), fund and promote research, and campaign and raise awareness so the needs of people with MND are addressed by society