I am training for the 2026 London Marathon in honour of my mum Annette and the many people (1 in 300) who are diagnosed with motor neurone disease during their lifetime.

Despite high-profile cases that occasionally make the headlines (such as Professor Stephen Hawking and rugby players Doddie Weir and Lewis Moody) MND still flies under the radar - we have made so much progress on so many diseases, but unfortunately MND remains largely a mystery.

MND is a cruel, progressive disease, that gradually prevents messages from your brain reaching your muscles. In time MND makes walking, talking, eating and even breathing difficult. There is currently no cure, and very little understanding of what causes MND or how it can be slowed down.

In terms of my mum's experience, mum began to notice changes in her grip strength in 2020 which she initially put down to COVID. Those changes in grip strength were then followed by subtle changes in her speech. Mum has over the last couple of years gone from living a completely normal life to losing her voice entirely (she can now only communicate through a computer) and needing to rely on a wheelchair. Despite all these changes, she still continues to battle on with her PhD!

The physical effects of MND are devastating, but the emotional toll can be even greater, with mental health support for MND patients and their carers remaining inconsistent and under-funded. I am running to help address that gap. Every pound donated will help fund vital research into treatments, campaign for earlier diagnoses, provide specialised equipment that restores a measure of independence, and expand counselling and peer-support networks that support those affected. Any donation, however big or small will go a long way to helping people affected by MND.

Thank you!

Lizzi