I'll be walking the marathon (yes, all 42km) at the London Winter Walk on 25 January in support of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

In July 2024, I lost my mum Cheryl to ALS, the most common form of motor neurone disease, a rare, progressive, and fatal neurological disorder that causes the loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. In real people what this means is that she slowly lost the ability to eat, breathe and move and was totally dependent on others to survive towards the end of her life. I spent the last four months of her life caring for her in hospice, and a lifetime before that being her daughter, companion and confidant. I feel her loss every day and my heart aches for others going through the same.

ALS is notoriously difficult to diagnose because no single test can confirm it. As a result, my mum spent precious years in discomfort without anyone being able to assess what was wrong with her. I hope that by raising money for MNDA, I can contribute to further research to identify ALS earlier and more efficiently so that persons with ALS can maximise their time with loved ones until we find a cure.

The MND Association focus on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by MND. By sponsoring me your money will help people affected by Motor Neurone Disease.

Once you donate, JustGiving will send your money directly to the MND Association. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure, your details are safe - they'll never sell them or send unwanted emails. Thank you again!