Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

It’s a privilege to be running the 2026 Manchester Marathon in support of the Motor Neurone Disease Association—a charity that now means EVERYTHING to me and my family.

In October of this year, my world changed forever. My mum, Vivanne, told me she had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). I’ll never be able to fully describe that moment. The shock, the heartbreak, the helplessness is something no one should ever have to experience.

My mum is my best mate, my hero and the most brave person I know.

Not only is she facing this devastating diagnosis, but she’s already survived stage 4 breast cancer and bone cancer—enduring over 20 years of intensive treatmentthroughout my lifetime. To now be facing MND is the cruellest twist imaginable, for her and for us. 

So that’s why I’m running. To raise as much money as I possibly can for the incredible MND Association—so they can support my Mum in this final chapter, and help other families going through the unimaginable.

In the short time since our family joined the MND community, we’ve already felt a huge amount of support and care—they have brought me great comfort and seeing how they support my family and others too, I could not be prouder to be running for them. As a family we live in Harrogate, and feel incredibly lucky to have the Yorkshire Dales MND Branch right on our doorstep. This amazing group is run entirely by volunteers. They’re compassionate and dedicated people who all give their time, energy and love to ensure that families like ours never feel alone. From the very first moment, they’ve welcomed us and given so much practical support. This has made a huge difference as we adjust to a new way of living as a family. 

If, like me, you didn’t know much about MND, here’s what I’ve learned:

MND is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the nerves controlling movement. Over time, it takes away your ability to walk, move, speak, eat and even breathe. It strips away everything we take for granted. There is no cure. And yet, the courage of those living with MND is beyond words.

So yes, I’ll be running 26.2 miles. But compared to what MND sufferers endure every single day, it’s a simple feet, and only the beginning of my fundraising journey.

Please donate whatever you can. Every penny helps the charity continue their work, and hopefully to one day find a cure. Every step I take will be for my Mum and for every family affected by this brutal disease.

To my Dad, Paul. You are an inspiration and everything I look up to, thank you for being you, for endlessly putting everyone before yourself and most importantly making us all laugh endlessly.

Another thank you to all my family and friends. Your support and encouragement will carry me through a tough Yorkshire winter of training and your love will make this challenge one I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

H. X

The Yorkshire Dales Branch is run entirely by volunteers and aims to provide the best possible support to local people with MND, their families, and carers.

For more information visit:

https://www.mndassociation.org/support-and-information/local-support/branches/yorkshire-dales/

Facebook: Yorkshire Dales Branch of MNDA @MNDYorkshireDales

Twitter: @MNDA_Dales