Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I'm currently training to run in the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on May 14th 2023.

I am a 3rd year PhD student at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) at the University of Sheffield. My research is looking to further understand the development of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) within families by investigating material generously donated by individuals living with the condition and comparing that with their relatives, who have unfortunately inherited risk factors but are currently healthy. I hope to find new insights to better support families affected by MND at all stages of life.

MND is a devastating neurodegenerative condition and nearly 1 in 300 people will develop it during their lifetimes in the UK. Individuals have long, healthy lives before the onset of symptoms, after which the disease can progress fast with a 2-3 year average life expectancy and no effective treatments. 

People living with MND often require full time care and this responsibility can rest on their families. As such a diagnosis of MND changes an entire family, not just the individual diagnosed.

The Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon was envisioned to raise funds to build the Rob Burrows Centre for specialist MND care in Leeds. The money I will be raising will be ringfenced for the existing MND association Leeds Care Centre at Leeds General Infirmary, specifically for supporting patients and their families in the local area, until the new Centre is built.

I have been running seriously for the last 3 years and have been privileged to fundraise for several appeals for neurodegenerative disease research at the University of Sheffield. I'm excited to make the step up to running my first competitive marathon. Alongside the fundraising effort which is close to my heart, the race begins and ends at Headingley Stadium, which I have been visiting annually as a lifelong fan of Yorkshire Country Cricket Club. 

These extra motivations and your support will help me throughout my training plan and even more on race day.

All donations will help to improve the lives of those affected by MND, whilst we search for a cure. I really appreciate your support.