Before 2014, I only knew of two people that had Motor Neurone Disease. One was the famous physicist, Professor Stephen Hawking. The other, a little know footballer that played for Ashford Town in the 90s, Mark Stanton. Mark was a hero of mine when I was younger and it was a shock when he passed away in 2013 at only 44 years old. Still, it was something that happened to others, not me or my family.

Then in April 2014, I got a phone call from my Mum. She had gone to hospital for tests, having been a bit unsteady on her feet and was given the news that they expected she had Motor Neurone Disease. This was confirmed a few months later.

Those of you that have been in a similar situation will know that no one can prepare you for such news. I could not believe it, my Mum had only the year before been running marathons and ultra marathons. It was in that fog of disbelief that I foolishly declared that if my Mum wasn't able to take her place in the 2015 Brighton Marathon, then I would do it instead. How hard could it be?

Breaking News. Marathons are really hard. Especially on very little training, weighing in at 22 stone & having returned the previous day from a 2 week holiday in Spain. I limped home in 7 hours 20 minutes & vowed never to be so foolish again.

Fast forward to August 2016. I had just got married & was on honeymoon in Mexico. I was hit by the realisation that, despite Mexico's questionable health and safety standards, there were activities that I simply couldn't do because of my weight. Zip lining was off limits & climbing the Aztec ruins was a lot harder than it should be. I just about got into a lifejacket to swim with dolphins, but I think they still have nightmares about trying to push my substantial frame through the water. It hit me that my weight was becoming a disability. Whilst my Mum was unable to walk without help & would give anything not to have a disability cruelly thrust upon her, my habits were giving me a disability of my own purely down to my own life choices.

I came back from Mexico determined to lose weight. A year later I was 8 stone lighter.

I started running in September 2016, initially to help with my weight loss. After a few shorter races I decided it was time to have another go at the Marathon & so on Sunday, three years after the last time, 8 stone lighter & hopefully a lot quicker, I'll be running in the Brighton Marathon.

Unfortunately, my Mum is not able to get to the finish line this time as she is now unable to leave her bed. However, I know she will be willing me on every step of the way.

Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page raising money for the MND Association, by sponsoring me your money will help people affected by Motor Neurone Disease. The MND Association is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland dedicated to improve care and support for people affected by MND . Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. With JustGiving your details are safe - they'll never sell them or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the MND Association. Thank you again