On the 10th of May 2026, I will be running the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in memory of my stepdad, William Hendry, who passed away on the 29th of November 2024, after a brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Since his diagnosis Billy was looked after by St Vincent’s Hospice, who treated him with the utmost kindest, compassion and dignity throughout his illness and end of life. They also provided support to us as a family to cope with our loss. As a paramedic I see first hand how important hospice care is for patients and their families. The staff work tirelessly to ensure that patients are given time, space and dignity to live and die well. Many patients, however, are not so lucky, therefore raising funds is vital to ensure everyone can access the care they need at the end of their life.

I have chosen to Leeds Marathon as it was set up to honour Leeds Rhinos, Rugby League player Rob Burrow, who sadly passed away from MND in 2024. Rugby has become such an important part of my life. Stepping onto the pitch and playing a game I love with my best friends, was one of the only ways I could still find happiness when William passed. This marathon was set up to support MND charities specifically, therefore feels like the perfect way to pay tribute to him while standing alongside the wider MND community.

Every donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference to hospices like St Vincents, to ensure patients spend the rest of their lives surrounded by dignity, compassion, respect and choice.

I promise I’ll run and make you proud Wilbur ♥️ even if I have to crawl to the end 🥹 💙