Next year, my wife and I will be taking on the biggest challenge of our lives by running the London Marathon in support of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

To anyone who knows us, this might seem unbelievable—we’re not runners, and we’ve never taken on anything remotely like this before. But some causes are bigger than comfort zones, and this is one of them.

We’re running in loving memory of my father-in-law, Tim, who sadly lost his battle with Motor Neurone Disease. Tim was an incredible man: a dedicated maths teacher, endlessly charismatic, and blessed with a brilliant sense of humour that could light up any room. Before MND stole so much from him, he was an active, energetic man who embraced life. We know he would have loved the thought of us putting ourselves through 26.2 miles in his honour—probably with a smile and a joke at our expense.

Tim wasn’t just my father-in-law. I had a complicated relationship with my own father, who is also no longer with us, and over the years Tim became an important male figure in my life. He welcomed me into his family, supported me, and taught me more than he probably ever realised. I owe him a great deal, and this marathon is one small way of saying thank you while helping to fight the disease that took him from us far too soon.

Motor Neurone Disease is a cruel illness that changes lives forever. By supporting our marathon, you’ll be helping the MNDA fund vital research, provide practical support for families, and work towards a future where no one has to endure what Tim and so many others have faced.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference. Thank you for supporting us, cheering us on, and helping us honour Tim’s memory every step of the way.