Me & my lovely Mum, Sarah, will be taking on the Great North Run 2025 in memory of my wonderful, much loved (and missed) Grandad, who we sadly lost to Motor Neurone Disease back in 2005. Those who know me, know that I hate running however, next year marks 20 years since losing Grandad therefore I wanted to take on a massive challenge to mark this.

Here's a few words from mum...

Public awareness of MND has increased significantly in recent years, thanks to a few high profile campaigners. Despite this, there is still NO CURE!

Sept 2025, marks 20 years since my dear Dad succumbed to this dreadful disease.

Dad had a few months of tests, the results all ruling out other conditions, like Parkinson's or Stroke.

Like many diseases, diagnosis is a process of elimination but once that diagnosis comes, it quite literally shatters your world.

I, like many others had no real idea what MND was, I just knew it was bad. Life expectancy is between 2-5 years, but in reality, Dad died on 15th September 2005, just 6 weeks after that official diagnosis.

I first ran the GNR in 2007, we were living in County Durham and the iconic half marathon was the obvious choice to raise vital funds for MND. It was an emotional day but the atmosphere kept me going and the North East secured a special place in my heart.

When my Daughter, Beth suggested we sign up for 2025, I agreed immediately (and then my brain caught up and said, ‘Er what?)

Great North Run... LET'S GO!!!

*this is a joint fundraising page for both Beth Hughes-Smith & Sarah Hughes