(To donate to Prostate Cancer UK, donate through the Adam Smith - Prostate Cancer UK 'Team members' link below, to donate to MND Association, donate through the Adam Smith - MND Association 'Team members' link below)

The impact of COVID-19 has been devastating and is understandably at the forefront of peoples minds at the moment. However I thought it was important to do something to raise money and awareness towards other illnesses that are sadly also being hugely impacted.

The charities I have chosen are Prostate Cancer UK and MND Association as they are particularly close to my heart. Here’s why...

Prostate Cancer UK -

Last year my Dad, Dave, was diagnosed with advanced Prostate Cancer. This was picked up during some routine tests. It is thought that he will have been living without symptoms for several years. In an attempt to try and contain the cancer cells, my Dad started treatment immediately. However, due to the demands of COVID-19 my Dads chemotherapy was stopped after only a couple of sessions. After a long and scary 6 months of being in the dark my Dad has since been able to complete 37 sessions of radiotherapy. We’ll never know what effect the chemotherapy could have had on my Dads prognosis as he was sadly denied this due to the pandemic.

Getting a cancer diagnosis is devastating. It’s terrifying to think of the amount of people that may be ignoring symptoms or missing appointments due to fear of burdening the NHS at a time like this. I urge anyone with any concerns to seek advice as soon as you can. Delays mean that peoples lives are being cut short. It’s so important to push for what you need.

Money raised will fund research into better ways of diagnosing Prostate Cancer so that men can be diagnosed earlier and more accurately.

MND Association -

The tragic news of Rob Burrow being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease has hit everyone within the Leeds Rhinos and Rugby League community hard. Growing up Rob was a hero of mine, someone I would watch week in week out and just admire the player he was. Robs’ platform has already allowed him to raise much needed awareness and given people an insight into the heartbreaking reality of this disease.

Someone else who is doing an incredible job sharing her journey with MND is Joanne Cooper (‘Livin La Vida Lockdown with MND’ on Facebook). Joanne happens to be one of my favourite high school teachers and I was lucky enough to keep in touch with her. I witnessed and experienced the impact her passion and kindness had on all the students she worked with. Joanne continues to inspire people and is doing all she can to help the cause. She is currently fundraising by cycling as many miles as she can from home. Please find the link to her JustGiving page below. Please support her, she is amazing!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joanne-cooper25?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=joanne-cooper25&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=a1fb4774911b45a9af3ba2d3b5aacf70&fbclid=IwAR1r95OyeE2syy3R2Iukrip_y-DZsIr5uB0ZMaOcWq0eeb54u6CUdDZ6htI

There is currently no cure for MND. Money raised will help to fund vital research and help support people living with MND right now.

My challenge -

On Saturday 12th December 2020, I will be doing a 17 mile duathlon. This will begin where it all started for Rob at Featherstone Lions. I will then be cycling for 17km and running for 10.5km before finishing at Headingley Stadium. This is somewhere that holds a special place in my heart, somewhere that me and my Dad spent so much time together watching Leeds Rhinos.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.