On Sunday 2nd October I will be ticking off my only life bucket list goal and will be running the 2022 London Marathon!

I am running to raise money for the MS Society in memory of my cousin Joanne. Jo was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when she was 30 years of age and sadly died in 2020 at the age of 52, after contracting Covid-19 along with her father David Whincup and both passing within days of each other.

Jo battled with MS for over 20 years and showed true strength and determination throughout.  Remembering the determination Jo showed each day will steer me through the marathon and I’ll look forward to raising a glass or 3 at the end with all of our family who are coming to support on the day.

My Uncle David spent many years fundraising for many worthwhile causes and in particular the MS Society and I will take his energy and dedication over the years, to help inspire me along the way too.

MS is an unpredictable and incurable condition that affects people's nervous systems. It can attack suddenly or progress steadily, bringing a range of symptoms which can include sight loss, incontinence, fatigue and mobility problems.   No-one with MS can be sure when or how it will affect them next.  The MS Society fund vital research into the causes of MS and possible treatments.

Put simply, Multiple Sclerosis is a horrendous disease that nobody should have to live with, so please donate whatever you can to provide essential funds for the MS Society find a cure and change lives.

Hopefully together, we are strong enough to stop MS.  Please support and explore with me and be part of my journey along the way. 

Around £5 will pay for...

Basic laboratory equipment, like petri dishes used to grow bacteria important for studying genetics. Or microscope slides used to look at cells and tissue samples in minute detail.

Around £10 will pay for...

A gym ball for physiotherapy treatment research. Physiotherapy can help to improve movement and other functions of the body in people with MS.

Around £30 will pay for...

Processing one blood sample. One single blood sample can give researchers crucial information about the  genes and immune system of people living with MS, which could lead to new treatments or crucial breakthroughs in understanding what causes MS

Around £50 will pay for...

One hour of microscope use.  Scientists study cells and tissue using high powered microscopes to improve their understanding of the biology.

Around £200 will pay for...

One hour of MRI scanner use. MRI scanning is a crucial technique used to create a detailed image of the brain and spinal cord. We’re currently funding projects that use MRI scanners to monitor clinical trials and understand MS in more detail.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.