This time last year we lost my uncle to this dreadful disease.  Johnboy was a fantastic runner, completing hundreds of ultramarathons.  At his peak, he ran the West Highland Way Challenge and won the 95-mile race in 18 hours and 8 minutes aged 48 years old.

Johnboy was known for pushing himself to the limit and beyond in the world of sport.  He ran and cycled distances that many would struggle to drive.  His active lifestyle as he knew it was cut short when he was diagnosed with MND, a disease which finally took his life in September 2018.

At 16 years old, I seem to have inherited his love of running and some of his talent.  I will be running the Great South Run, a 10-mile road race, on the 20th of October to raise money for lifesaving research.  My goal is to build up to my first marathon when I am 18 years old.  I'd do it sooner but I'm not allowed!

I would be very grateful for any donations, big or small.  Who knows, if I raise enough I may even run in a fluorescent orange rara skirt, the 'uniform' of choice for RunMND!

Thanks in advance.  Your support is much appreciated!

Ben.

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a progressive disease that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. However, not all symptoms necessarily happen to everyone and it is unlikely they will all develop at the same time, or in any specific order.Although there is currently no cure for MND, symptoms can be managed to help you achieve the best possible quality of life.