I’m running two marathons to help raise funds and awareness for MND, a great charity focused on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by Motor Neurone Disease in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They are:

Valencia: 4^th December 2022

Manchester: 16^th April 2023

I was motivated to raise money for MND by two people who suffered from the disease. My Aunt’s Husband Paul Hollands and Doddie Weir.

Paul was first diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease on New Year’s Eve 2020. Needless to say it was a huge shock to my Aunt Lyn and her family. My cousin Jack successfully raised money for him, cycling 75km across Kent back in May. It was this that inspired me to sign up for the first marathon

As a child, I didn’t have much interest in rugby until I was exposed to the documentary, ‘Living with Lions’, over Christmas 1999. Suddenly a sport I never fully understood made sense and became an integral part of my life. Doddie Weir was a huge part of this. A second row, like I was, his humour and good nature shone through. The way he dealt with his tour ending injury and his future career was a huge influence on me. His public fight with MND has been inspirational. 

When I first signed up for the runs, back in September it seems a fitting way to pay tribute to their spirit and fight. Sadly both passed this November and now I run in their memory.

As most of you will know, physical exercise (especially running) is not something I enjoy, even on the rugby pitch! Some of you may not have seen me in years and must be thinking that I have got myself in shape. Sadly not. If you have a spare 7 hours, you can track my progress for the Valencia Marathon here: https://www.valenciaciudaddelrunning.com/en/marathon/download-app/

I am bib number: 27710

If you would like to track my progress on the Manchester Marathon, you can do so here: https://track.rtrt.me/e/RA-MANCHESTERMARATHON#/tracker

 
I am bib number: 2328

If you would like to add a song or two to help me pass the (very long) time, you can add it to my Spotify playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2pORSZjwXV3dtklY1mLNMI?si=eqWVlGVNTt2RAXpN5bz1NQ&utm_source=copy-link&pt=b5edd8cd1dd2a2d5f64732238c0c014b

Any contribution you can make goes to a great cause raising awareness of such a devastating disease.