in April 2026 I will be embarking on my biggest physical challenge to date…running the London Marathon in memory of my dad, Richard (Ricko) whilst raising funds to support the MND Association.

Ricko sadly passed away in July 2025 after a relatively short 18-month battle with MND, but a battle he took on with so much courage, strength and stoicism.

When I gained my place for the marathon, the thought of not having my dad there at least along my training journey was not something that anyone expected, but he was proud as anything when I told him about my place and I know he will be supporting me the whole way.

MND is a cruel, progressive disease, that over time prevents messages from your brain reaching your muscles and eventually prevents movement across the body, making walking, talking, eating and even breathing increasingly more difficult. There is currently no cure.

Ricko was such an amazing father to me and the best family man. Working so hard and giving the family everything we ever needed, but still finding time to enjoy the social side of life. He loved travel, sport, was a real foodie and loved a good drink - all those things were snatched away as the disease took more and more hold, but his smile and cheeky wit were something that could never be taken away, staying with him right until the end.

He will be so sadly missed by us all and anything that can be done to help raise funds to stop other people having to endure what he and our family have been through would mean the world to him.

The MND Association focus on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Any donation, however big or small will go a long way to helping people affected by Motor Neurone Disease, just like my dad.

Thank you!

George