My Story

‘Trish? Marathon? Surely not?!’ I can almost HEAR you saying it!! Fortunately, you’re right – there’s no way I could do that! BUT … I have been persuaded to take part in a 7-person relay marathon on Sun 10th May in order to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Here’s how it happened …

My daughter’s lovely father-in-law, David, was diagnosed with MND towards the end of last year. His equally lovely son, Will, wanted to run the Rob Burrows Marathon in Leeds to raise money for what is an exceptionally worthy cause and he found that there was a relay marathon alongside.

Anyone that knows me (except Will apparently) knows that I am not a runner … A quick glance at me will tell you everything you need to know … I am not built to run … which is fortunate because I really do hate it!

However, the deed was done and I found myself signed up. Intensive training was needed. I started the NHS Couch to 5k (which is more accurately called Couch to 30 minutes) on 5th January 2026 and I have slowly built up my running from 1 min run/90seconds walk at the beginning, to 30 minutes continuous running now. It was all done on a treadmill and I can honestly say that I’ve hated every step of it!

I reached the end of Couch to 5k last Sunday (28/03/26) which meant that today (31/03/26) was the day to venture out into the big wide world and run outside for the first time in approximately 50 years, when I was at school being made to do cross-country. Unsurprisingly, I always hated and dreaded that. Despite people trying to persuade me that I’d like running better outside than on a treadmill, I can say without any doubt that I STILL hate each and every step! This is REALLY not my happy place!

You won’t be surprised to hear that I am looking for some sponsorship! There HAS to be an upside to all my suffering, a benefit to offset my poor aching knees, a big positive among so many big negatives, something to spur me on! Please, please, PLEASE consider sponsoring me, not only on the basis of 10th May but taking into account the 3-times weekly torture sessions (runs) that I have endured since the beginning of the year! Hand on heart, I will NEVER ask you to sponsor me for running again, so this is your first and final chance!

All that is left to say is that it has taken a VERY special person to make me even consider putting myself through this. David IS that special person. One of the loveliest men I know and, with him in mind, it’s all been worthwhile.

I’ll leave you to read Will’s thoughts on this fabulous event … thank you for reading and hopefully for your donation!

Hi!

In November last year my wonderful father was diagnosed with MND and after a rough few months in hospital, we now have him settled with the care he needs to see out his days. The outpouring of love for him since his diagnosis has shown what a fantastic person he has been throughout his life.

He's still very much with us and we wanted to show appreciation for him in any way we can. MND is an awful disease and anything we can do to prevent others suffering is worth doing.

So I had an idea; what if I ran the Rob Burrow marathon for MND and for my Dad. But what if we went one step further and six volunteers from throughout his life were to run it with me in a relay. Some were willing, some blasé, and others are busting a gut to do their bit.

The Relay team

Steph Cook (Leg 1) - His glamorous daughter-in-law and my darling wife, Steph, will be starting the relay off. She hates running, and will do anything she can not to train, but she's definitely going to do it.

Helen Brown (Leg 2) - Up next is his joint-favourite niece, Helen. We were looking for volunteers, she did her first run in 5 years. I saw it on Strava and the rest is history. Her parents have been a huge support to my Dad throughout his troubles and I cannot thank them enough.

Luke Whiteley (Leg 3) - Next is Luke (though for some reason my Dad calls him Simon). We share Leeds season tickets and they have shared many a great moment and a cuddle together at Elland Road. Dad's last game was a 6-0 annihilation of Stoke and Luke was right there with him. He is the fastest beer drinking runner I know.

Ben Molzahn (Leg 4) - Ben is a long time friend and represents my Dad's love for music. Dad was a huge support in our gigging days and Ben was the driving force on guitar. He recently got back into running and I was delighted he agreed to join us. His leg also both starts and ends in the 'arse end of nowhere'.

Trish Palmer (Leg 5) - No one has been more committed to training than Steph's dear mum, Trish. With a strict training schedule, she has showed off the scale determination. We spent many a summer at Trent Bridge and her and Graham hosted some excellent BBQs, and created some superb memories. She has ruined all cliché 'mother-in-law jokes' and conquering the hill together is likely to be the defining moment of the marathon.

Tom Cook (Leg 6 and 7) - Bringing me home is my dear brother, Tom. It was him who convinced Dad to finally stop having children. He's been by my side ever since we started to like each other in his late teens. He was the first person I asked and was delighted to accept.

So there you have it. We're all pushing ourselves to make this a day of celebration for my Dad. We'll be beaming back to his care home as we go and want to raise as much money as we can. Please donate what you can and give me a wave if you're in Leeds on the 10th May!

Thank you, Will