Hi, my name is James Vertigen and I am raising money for The Matt Gallagher Foundation, a passionate and committed non-profit organisation striving to beat MND and the impact it has on people across the UK.

Two close friends, Matt Gallagher and Ben Lighting, have been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a cruel and life shortening illness currently without cure.

I have known Matt and Ben for many years, and shared adventures with them on and off a rugby field. More recently, I have been blown away by their courage, positivity, resilience and selflessness in the face of having to deal with this devastating condition. They inspire and humble all of us who know them and I want to do something to try to help.

My goal is to complete 7 endurance events in 7 months to raise money for Matt’s MND charitable foundation. More info on this foundation can be found at https://mattgallagherfoundation.org

I’m not aiming to set any records nor claim any staggering achievements. As a 52 year old who sits behind a desk each day, I am realistic about my physical limits. But I am also determined to push myself hard to raise money to support, as Matt would say, the MND warriors fighting this horrific disease.

Each of the 7 events will be a first for me, and I start with the Zurich marathon on Sunday 13th April. The marathon is an event that has always intimidated me and it will be a tough start. Thank you to my good friend, Phil Jenkins, who has kindly agreed to run it with me.

If you could show your support by donating via my GoFundMe link to the Matt Gallagher Foundation and passing on the details of my fund raising to others, I would be hugely grateful.

Thank you very much, including to those various friends and family members who are kindly joining me on the different events.

I will keep you up to date on my progress. Wish me luck.