In July of this year (2025) my Dad was diagnosed with Motor neurone disease (MND). This is a progressive disease that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.

To support the MND Association, I have signed up to take part in the Great North Run. 2026 will be the 15th Anniversary of the last time I took part running this race. I will also be running as part of a work relay team in the Belfast City Marathon. Pray my body holds out for both!

MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. However, not all symptoms necessarily happen to everyone, and it is unlikely they will all develop at the same time, or in any specific order.

Although there is currently no cure for MND, symptoms can be managed to help you achieve the best possible quality of life.

£1000 could pay for detailed analysis of DNA to help us better understand the causes of the disease.