In a turn of events that no one saw coming (least of all me), I’m doing the Great North Run again. Send help. Or money. Preferably both!

Despite saying, with absolute confidence and numerous witnesses that I’d retired from half marathons forever, here we are, but only because this year our family are facing a new set of circumstances.

My mum has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND)- a cruel, progressive illness that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting. MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink, and breathe. Oh, and just to twist the knife a bit more- there’s no cure. It really is an awful and frightening diagnosis for anyone to get.

The MND Association have already been a great resource to all of us; emailing information, offering support over the phone, telling mum about local support groups, and giving advice about grants she can apply for to ease the financial burden that this disease can bring. In addition, they fund vital research and campaign for change.

We have no idea how the coming months and years will play out, but what we have learned is that any donations you make to the MNDA, mum will definitely see in some form or another, so anything you can spare towards their great work would be brilliant.

If you can’t donate, that’s fine too- but please cheer very loudly at the finish line and tell me I look pretty when I run.

Thank you! 🧡💙