Story
I’m running the London Marathon to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease Association, and in memory of my father.
Those of you who know me, know I’ve never been much of a runner, having never run more than 5k.
My father passed away suddenly last June after having Motor Neurone Disease (MND). He was ill for about a year before his death, and although he had multiple scans and appointments, he was repeatedly told there was nothing wrong with him. He was diagnosed with MND only three days before his death, whilst he was in the ICU.
Despite Stephen Hawking, Rob Burrow and other famous campaigners doing their best to make more people aware of MND, it’s incredibly rare, meaning most people haven’t heard of it.
I would like to help raise the profile of MND, help people be aware of the symptoms, and help people spot it earlier. With more funding, and more research, I hope other families get more time with a specific diagnosis and, ultimately, longer with their loved ones diagnosed with MND.
If he was around to see this, my father would say something along the lines of "Why are you running so far, you know you don't have to Ellie'. And to that I say, I'm doing it for you, and so that others have longer with a diagnosis and with their loved ones.
The loss of my father will never go away, but I hope my efforts shall help others affected by MND.
Thank you for reading.
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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.