We need your support!

(This is a joint fundraising page for Brett and Harry Firth)

I remember being a youngster, one freezing cold Boxing Day at Headingly, with my Dad (Rob Firth), watching Rob Burrows (7) side-step and tackle lads twice his size. He was fearless and pound for pound, one of the strongest players on the pitch. He was told he was too small to play rugby league, but he proved them all wrong! What a career he had, what a legacy he'll leave behind and what a fight he continues to fight with MND. He is truly inspiring, not only to aspiring athletes, but to anyone who was ever told they can't do something.

The fight against Motor Neurone Disease is particularly close to our hearts, as someone we love battles MND daily, Louise Jordan, our Dad's partner.

Here is Louise's story in her own words...

"I had Covid in March 2020 and noticed a few months later that my speech was slurring slightly. Over the following months, it became progressively worse. As a full-time GP coping with the pandemic global emergency and working virtually 24/7, my colleagues attributed my slurring to me being tired and overworked.

In October 2021, Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), a rare form of MND, was diagnosed. I let family and friends know of my diagnosis and took retirement in May 2022. I am now unable to speak at all. My swallowing is hampered, making eating and drinking difficult and I often struggle with choking, my sleep is disturbed as I wake often when my cheeks collapse in my mouth. My right hand is weak so now writing is tricky and my legs are increasingly weak making for some interesting tumbles!

Each day, a new problem arises that needs circumnavigating. My partner Rob is amazing but very distressed by my deterioration. My two sons lost their father to a brain tumour in 2011, so it’s very unfair on them.

As a GP, I have been absolutely committed to my patients to improve their quality of life. I am now on the other side of the coin. Frustration and humiliation are my biggest emotions - even more than my sadness, which is pretty overwhelming at times.

My motivation is for my family not to lose another member, and to do what I can to support this amazing cause. MND feels like one of the very worst diagnoses to have. The new Rob Burrow Centre for MND will be a huge source of hope, comfort and positivity."

Some extra information on how far our raised funds could go to help.

• £120 could provide an overbed table, making it easier for someone with MND to eat, drink and read safely and comfortably in bed.
•  £230 could fund the coordination of care for someone with MND at a Care Centre for a year.
•  £500 could provide a tablet device with specialist communication software, allowing someone to communicate with loved ones.
• £750 could fund an MND expert researcher for a week.

Every penny raised from The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon will bring us closer to achieving our ultimate mission; a world free from MND.

You can read more about Louise's story and others fighting MND here: www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/mnd-7-stories

Thank you so much for anything, small or large, you might be able to donate to this worthy cause.

Brett Firth and Harry Firth