Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On Sunday October 14th 2018 I will be running the Royal Parks Half Marathon.  I would like to raise as much money as possible for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and would greatly appreciate your support.

Motor Neurone Disease is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease affecting the brain and spinal cord.  It attacks the nerves that control movement.  It can rob you of your speech, ability to eat and drink, and breathe.  The disease affects 1 in 300 people in the UK and kills a third of those diagnosed within a year, and another half within two years.

There is currently no treatment, no cure, and no hope.  This is how it is for my next door neighbour, Ken, who has been battling MND for the past three years.

Shortly into his retirement Ken was diagnosed with Progressive Bulbar Palsy, a swiftly progressing form of Motor Neurone Disease.  Within eighteen months of diagnosis Ken lost his ability to speak, eat and drink and he now receives nutrition via a permanent line into his stomach.  Ken’s lungs are failing. He has lost all general mobility and is reliant upon his wife, Mavis, ceiling hoists and wheelchairs to move around his own home.  The toll on Mavis is clearly evident.  The disease has robbed them both of their well earned retirement.

For now, Ken has some control of his facial muscles. He always manages to smile at my two children, aged four and seven, when I lift them above the garden fence to say hello.  This reminds me that Ken’s mind and spirit is fighting on, despite MND.  It gives me hope that someday, with continued research and technological advancement, a cure for MND might be found.  This is why I have chosen to fundraise for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Ken and Mavis's story is a daily reminder of how precious life is, and how little we know about Motor Neurone Disease.

I thank you for taking the time to read my fundraising page.  If you are moved by Ken and Mavis's story and are able to support the Motor Neurone Disease Association, then any donation you can make will be greatly appreciated.

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.

Thank you for your support.

Ryan East.