I have pledged to run 8 half marathons in 8 consecutive days commencing on the 5th of September with the Leeds half marathon, running 6 half marathons from my home in Bradford, and finishing with the Great North Run in South Sheilds. Although I enjoy running, this is by far my biggest running challenge to date.

Why I am doing this:

I am doing this to raise funds and awareness for UK based charity, Cure DM, that supports families affected by Myotonic Dystrophy and raises awareness for a disease where there is so little knowledge. 

Why this is so personal for me:

Last September in the midst of a second lockdown my partner gave birth to our first child, a baby girl called Daisy. Whilst we were overjoyed, we were also faced with a great deal of uncertainty as doctors tried to stabilise her and diagnose what they saw to be "wrong". This is how we eventually discovered she had 'Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy', a disease we have never heard of, but knew literally translated as from birth (congenital) muscle tone (myotonic) wasting condition (dystrophy). 

What is (Congenital) Myotonic Dystrophy?

The genetic muscle disease affects every part of the body's functioning ability. It affects everything from the heart, vision, brain to general movement. The degenerative nature of the condition means it worsens with age.

Why this charity needs your money:

It is a very rare condition, but rarer still is the knowledge or awareness of it, with even GP's and medical professionals rarely ever recognising the condition. That is why it's so critical that we raise funds to help raise the diseases profile, support families and apply pressure on those in the medical/science industry to find a cure or treatment, for which there is so far none.

Every penny counts towards this mission and I am so grateful for every like, share and donation. Thank you.