Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.

Some of you may be aware that my mum was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in March 2007 at the age of 58.  MND is a terminal, progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurones.  Degeneration of the motor neurones leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing.  Life expectancy is generally 2 to 5 years following diagnosis and with only 5000 sufferers in the UK, the public at large are very unaware of the disease and how it affects people.  With no two sufferers being the same, we face a future full of uncertainty.

At the time of writing (June 2008) my mum is now confined to a wheelchair and is wholly dependant on 24-hour care.  She cannot stand-up, walk or move much of her body at all, nor can she feed herself.  Also, her ability to speak has deteriorated rapidly and she now has difficulty communicating.  My parents house has been converted to take a lift, specialist hoists and a wet room and my father, as prinicple carer, is supported by day carers, district nurses, occupational therapists and a designated MND nurse, as well as family and friends.  Everyone has been hugely supportive during what can only be described as very stressful times.

So it's time to get off my backside and do something for a good cause and what better than to support the charity that in turn supports my mum.  You are all aware that I am not the fittest man on the planet so I thought the 10k run is probably about my limit!  If I get the running bug, the 2009 London Marathon may beckon!!

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: the Motor Neurone Disease Association will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.

Regards,

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