MND (Motor Neurone Disease)

From 1st January 2025 until the end of the month the MND Association is asking for people to participate in the Run 31 Miles Challenge.

I would really like to help support this charity with this challenge but am unable to do so in January so I am challenging myself to run 31 miles whilst on holiday from 23rd December until 4th January. I will have 12 days to complete the run distance on board a ship sailing to The Canary Islands. Weather conditions will dictate if I can complete it outside or on a treadmill.

The money raised will help to provide care and support to persons affected by motor neurone disease and their families and also fund vital research.

I have recently learned of a family member of my age with this devasting condition so would like to do what I can to show support for her and her family.

Motor neurone disease is an umbrella term for a group of related progressive neurodegenerative conditions.

Specialist nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, called motor neurones, fail to work properly and die prematurely so preventing messages from the nerves reaching the muscle. This results in muscle wasting causing functional problems in the limbs and other body systems which are affected.

Over time the symptoms increase causing difficulty with mobility, speech, swallowing and breathing at which point aids may be required.

In the final stages the person affected becomes completely reliant on family, friends and the multidisciplinary team of professionals and volunteers to provide all of their care.

This is a terminal condition which is agonizing for everyone involved. Our relatives diagnosis was made in October 2024. She has been admitted today to have a PEG placement and is planning for possibly her last Christmas with her family.

This devastating disease affects approximately 5000 people in the UK at any one time. Five thousand people, their families and friends who need our help and support and to know others do care.

If you are able to donate I would be so grateful as would all of the MND Community. A cure for this cruel condition is essential, in the meantime a donation to provide help, support and fund research will be most welcome.

Thank you so much.

Margaret