Hello friends, family, acquaintances, strangers,

On Friday 27 June, for the third time I’ll be taking on the Big Walk in support of neurological disease research at the University of Sheffield where I work.

This time, it's a bit different for me.

Last year, one of my close friends, former housemates, a talented rugby player and generally wonderful man, Tom Davies, was tragically diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease at age 29.

Although one in six people (and one in four over the age of 80), will develop a significant neurological disorder in their lifetimes, receiving a diagnosis at 29 is unusually young.

Tom had just recently finished his PhD at the University of Sheffield when he noticed changes in his voice followed by weakening of the hands, leading to his diagnosis in July 2024.

In the face of such a huge challenge, Tom remains unbelievably positive and is cracking on with enjoying life and doing as many fulfilling things as he can. However the effect that MND has had on his life is devastating. Find out more about Tom's journey on the Sheffield Star.

These diseases are notoriously difficult to treat, with current treatments masking symptoms rather than curing the root cause of these terrible illnesses.

By donating to Sheffield’s research, you’ll help to fund vital new treatments that will bring hope to so many people.

Your support could truly be a catalyst for transformative breakthroughs that could result in cures for these conditions in our lifetimes.

Thanks for reading - and please consider donating to such a worthy cause!

Matt x