Hi everyone, we’re Rory and Molly — a brother and sister duo taking on the London Landmarks Half Marathon this April to raise money for a charity incredibly close to our hearts: the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

In 2022, we sadly lost our Auntie Maggi to this awful illness after a short battle of just over a year. Maggi was a fit, active, adrenaline-junkie who loved life and was always on the go. Watching someone you love lose their ability to move, speak and do the things they once took for granted is heartbreaking, and to see such a vibrant, energetic person affected so quickly by motor neurone disease (MND) was devastating. The impact of MND is felt far beyond the person diagnosed, and our family continues to feel that loss deeply.

MND is a terminal neurological condition that affects the brain and nerves, causing muscles to weaken and waste away. There is currently no cure, and up to six people are diagnosed every day in the UK. You can find out more about the disease here: 👉https://www.mndassociation.org/about-mnd/

The Motor Neurone Disease Association provides vital support to people living with MND, as well as their families and carers. From funding life-changing research, to offering practical help, specialist equipment and emotional support, their work makes an unimaginable situation a little more bearable.

👉 https://www.mndassociation.org/

This race feels especially meaningful to us, as the London Landmarks Half Marathon is taking place on what would have been Maggi’s 65th birthday. Given her love of adventure and challenge, it feels particularly apt that we’re marking the day by pushing ourselves physically in her memory.

We should also be honest — neither of us are seasoned runners. We’re very much novices, and while we’re committed to the training, we definitely enjoy the post-run pint more than the run itself… 13.1 miles is no small feat for us, but that just makes crossing the finish line (and earning that celebratory Guinness) even sweeter.

By taking on this challenge, we want to honour Maggi, celebrate her incredible spirit, and help raise funds so that others affected by MND can receive the support they need — and so research can continue towards a future without this disease. Every donation, no matter the size, really does make a difference and will help carry us through the training (and possibly the last few miles).

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story and for any support you’re able to give.

Rory & Molly ❤️