This is tough for me to write, so bear with me if it's difficult to read.

A couple of years ago, my brother-in-law Rob was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease - a degenerative and fatal disease with no known cure. Rob is a no-nonsense Northerner and was determined not to let the disease stop him. For as long as he possibly could, he carried on with his life: running the business that he had built, providing for his family, and indulging his hobbies of hunting, fishing, motorbiking, camping and arguing with my sister.

But MND cannot be stopped: Towards the end of last year, Rob's symptoms progressed to the point that he could no longer work. His left arm had become useless, his legs slowing and his balance becoming severely impaired. Rob needed to start using a wheelchair. He didn't though; he spent a long time at home doing DIY and falling over at every opportunity - generally breaking his fall with his head.

Rob celebrated his 50th birthday earlier this year in a wheelchair. The disease has progressed to his neck, making it hard for him to swallow or talk. His ability to eat is severely affected, at a time when he needs to keep his strength up to slow the muscle wastage. He recently had to undergo a medical procedure to support a feeding tube.

I lost both of my parents to cancer and that was tough to go through. But I can say, without any hesitation, that I believe this disease is worse. People with MND become trapped in their own bodies over time, unable to move and unable to communicate. Eventually, the body becomes unable to breathe. It is terrifying and horrific.

So what am I doing about it?

On May 10th I will be embarking on three-day bike tour of The South Downs Way, a trail which runs for 105 miles from Eastbourne to Winchester. For much of its course, it follows an ancient ridgeway track over the rolling, chalk hills of southern England. I have never ridden such a distance before, and certainly not on trails. There are a LOT of steep hills. I am not particularly fit at the moment and I have not had time to prepare as I would like, but this adds to the heroic nature of the enterprise. Fortunately I will be joined by a few friends and everyone has been making their excuses in advance. But make no mistake, I will complete the ride.

I am raising money for the MND Association of Queensland, who have been fantastic in providing support to Rob for a while now. They are committed to supporting and maintaining the quality of life for all people living with MND within Queensland. They run an MND Advisory Service, provide access to equipment to help people remain comfortable and as independent as possible within their own homes. They provide carer support and coordinate with NDIS (disability support) to provide therapy including Occupational Therapy to assist with the many home modifications that are required. At the moment, research is underfunded and there are many diagnosed sufferers who fall through the cracks and do not get the support they so desperately need.

Please do what you can to support a fantastic charity. Thank you all x