10 weeks ago I could barely run a 5K...but in 6 weeks I will be taking on the ASICS Windermere Marathon in memory of my mum. My mum was diagnosed with Sporadic CJD on December 15th 2020 and sadly passed away just 8 days later on December 23rd at aged just 51. Her sudden death has had a profound effect on the lives of me, my family and all who had the pleasure of knowing her and I am honoured to be taking on this challenge in her memory. 

Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare and fatal condition that affects only 1 or 2 people in every million each year in the UK. It is caused by an abnormal infectious protein called a prion. The prions accumulate at high levels in the brain and cause irreversible damage to nerve cells. There is currently no cure for CJD. I will be raising money for The Cure CJD Campaign which aims to raise funds to support the use of an antibody drug developed for the treatment of CJD patients. For more information surrounding the amazing work Cure CJD is doing, visit 

https://www.curecjd.org/

The Cure CJD Campaign is a very small charity run by a team of volunteers so every donation, no matter how small, really does make a difference to the work it undertakes. 

I am absolutely not a natural runner so this has already been the hardest physical and mental challenge I have ever undertaken. However, I know it will all be worth it when I cross the line on the big day! 

Your contribution will help fund vital research towards finding a cure for this debilitating disease so any donations will be greatly appreciated. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those diagnosed with CJD and their families.