The Gerrys (Ryan and I) will be participating in a series of events to raise awareness and funds for Ataxia, in loving memory of our father, Mark Gerry, who sadly passed away from Ataxia in 2017.

Just like you and me, Mark was a fit and healthy teen where you always think you have an infinite amount of time. He went on to play rugby for England while building a career as a chartered accountant and a part-time party animal. Unfortunately, Mark’s path took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed in his early 20s with a disability condition called Ataxia. Interlinked to motor-neurone disease, Ataxia is a neurological condition that progressively deteriorates movement, speech, vision, and hearing. It must have been absolutely heartbreaking for him to experience this progressive decline. Eventually, he had to stop all sports and work due to the aggressive nature of his condition, impacting all aspects of his life, from making simple movements to communication. Over the years, my dad’s independence may have diminished, but it never took away his humor, smile, or fighting spirit. To think about what he achieved over the years despite all odds against him, he’s my hero in every way.

Your donations will mean so much to Ryan and me personally, and, of course, to Ataxia UK. All fundraising goes towards finding treatments and cures for people affected today (around 10,000 people in the UK), alongside providing support until a cure is found.

Key events we will be participating in to fundraise:

- March: Rome Full Marathon on 17th March (pray for Dele)

- April: White Collar Boxing on 6th April and Reading Half Marathon on 14th April

- May: Birmingham Half Marathon on 5th May