Hi! 

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my page and for reading my story. Here goes....

I knew nothing about Huntington's disease until about 14 years ago when I met my current girlfriend and her wonderful family. I went from being a single 31yr old to having a partner, two stepchildren and a dog in one hit.......and I wouldn't change a thing! Gradually though I learned that one side of my new extended family was affected by HD and, in the subsequent years, I've learned all about the disease and seen its effects first hand.

Anyone who has been affected by HD will have their own words to describe its nature and what it can do to a family, I certainly have mine. However, I don't want to focus on the negatives here but instead highlight to you all the courage I've seen shown by those suffering from the disease, the immense and humbling strength displayed by the family and friends supporting their loved ones through it, and the work that's being done by The Huntington's Disease Association in giving support and advice to all involved.

Founded in 1986, the HDA supports a network of regional care advisors who offer care and support to people with and at risk of Huntington’s disease and their families, establishing a network of multidisciplinary clinics for HD patients in the UK along the way. They also have a programme that supports scientific and social research.

A recent funeral has caused me to not only re-evaluate and appreciate my own life, but has also really driven home to me that I need to try and do more to help others. 

So, having never attempted a full marathon before, I've decided to set myself the challenge of completing the London Marathon this year to show my support and hopefully raise some money for the HDA.

There are thousands of worthy causes out there that are deserving of our time and money but I'm hoping, on this occasion, that you can throw some pennies my way to help this particular charity continue their invaluable work.

Thank you again for reading this and for any money you’re able to give.

See you at the finish line!