Update April 2016

Thought it was time for an update with just two weeks to go until the main event!

The Windsor Half Marathon went well, with all of Team Mooney completing with very respectable times. Everyone's generosity was incredible, so much so that I've upped my initial fundraising target!

In terms of my training, it's been going really well. So far this year I've run over 50 times, clocking up more than 350 miles. Part of my training was taking part in the North London Half Marathon, where I crossed the finish line inside Wembley Stadium with a time of 01:33:16, which I was very pleased with. The training has been tough at times, particularly as I've opted for early morning runs, often in the dark and sub-zero temperatures! The support, encouragement, tips and coaching I've received has been amazing and I'm sure regular running is something I'll continue once the marathon is over.

In terms of mum's recovery she was transferred from the National on her 60th birthday in mid January to a local hospital where she spent 5 weeks before being deemed fit enough to return home! She is still immobile and her sight and short & long term memory severely impaired, but she is able to hold a conversation (she hasn't lost her sense of humour!) and is now eating solid food, becoming less and less dependent on her oxygen supply and is able to enjoy sitting out in the garden whenever the weather is warm enough!

We're working on the logistics bit I still intend to complete the London Marathon and run on to Queen Square, outside the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, for a second finish line where mum will be able to be.

If anyone is in London to spectate then maybe I'll see you along the route, or at either of my finish lines!

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Original post:

On 30 June 2015 our wife and mum, Viv, collapsed at home. The London Ambulance Service was quick to respond and transferred her to the local hospital, were it was found she had suffered a massive brain hemorrhage. To give her any chance of survival the medical team transferred her to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN). There, thanks to the skill and determination of the surgeons, and ongoing care from the teams of doctors, nurses and therapists, Viv survived the hemorrhage and against expectations started, and continues to show signs of neurological improvement.

From our time at the hospital we became aware of the National Brain Appeal (www.nationalbrainappeal.org), who raises funds to support the NHNN. In order to somehow repay the enormous debt of gratitude we have to the NHNN and its staff we decided to try to raise some money for them.

There are two parts to this fund raising…

‘Mooneys Run’ – both of us running the Windsor Half Marathon, 27 September 2015. With everything that has happened, and is ongoing, training will be minimal!

‘Mooney’s Run’ – Mark running the 2016 London Marathon, 24 April 2016, with the intention to complete the marathon and then run a further 2 miles to Queen Square (outside the NHNN) where Malcolm & Viv, and anyone else who wants to support, will be there.

Any donations would be extremely appreciated, or if you are fit and able to, join Team Mooney! www.justgiving.com/teams/teammooney

Thanks in advance for your support!

- Malcolm & Mark

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