My dad, Peter, died from motor neurone disease this year and it was the worst thing I've ever been through. I am pretty sure it was the worst thing my mum's ever been through too. And my sisters. God alone knows what it was like for my dad. Frightening, enraging, painful and pitifully sad. I can only imagine, because the nature of the disease means you lose the ability to speak. It is utterly devastating to watch someone succumb to it.

After he was diagnosed I pretty much immediately enquired about running the London Marathon in 2024 for the MND Association. I think he would have loved coming along and cheering. Unfortunately the places were well gone by that time and here we are approaching 2025 and we didn't make it this far.

So, I am running in his memory. He ran the marathon in 1985. My mum sent me his medal so I'm going to run with it.

The MND Association were very helpful as things progressed, but quite honestly there's a limit to how helpful help can be in these situations. I am running to raise money primarily for the research they fund. Because when it comes to neurological illnesses, the lack of progress, treatment options and hope is like a terrible brick wall. Maybe one day that will change.

Thanks for donating. It is hugely appreciated. This year the generosity and kindness of my friends and family has been incredible. It's made me anxious about living up to it for them when, hopefully never, the time comes and the roles are reversed.

I'll post updates as I go along with my training.