In May, I’ll be taking on the Thames Path 100 — a 100-mile ultramarathon — to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

This is a cause that is painfully close to my heart.

I lost my mum to MND in 2012. She was in her late 50s.

Last year, I also lost my dad to the same disease. He was in his early 70s.

MND is a devastating illness. It gradually takes away a person’s ability to move, speak, eat and breathe, while their mind remains intact. Watching both of my parents go through this — years apart, but with the same cruel outcome — is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

Running has become my way of coping, processing, and honouring them.

The Thames Path 100 is an extreme physical and mental challenge, but it feels like the right way to give something meaningful back. Every mile I run is in memory of my mum and dad, and in support of everyone currently living with MND and the families who are walking this path right now.

Funds raised will help MND charities continue their vital work, including:

Funding research into treatments and, ultimately, a cure

Providing specialist care and equipment

Supporting families affected by MND

Any donation, no matter the size, really does make a difference. If my run can help raise awareness, support research, or ease the burden for even one family, then every mile will be worth it.

Thank you so much for reading, for donating, and for sharing this page 💙