In 2023, I will be giving up alcohol for a year to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. When I was nine, my dad, Andy, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, and after an almost two-year battle, it sadly took his life in February 2010 at the age of 39.

Andy had lived a healthy lifestyle and was a family man; he didn't smoke, drank alcohol sporadically and used gyms to keep in shape. He put his family first and worked tirelessly, first on nights in a factory, before working six days a week as a driving instructor, to ensure we had everything we could ever wish for growing up. He didn't deserve this. I am proud to call him my dad.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is an uncommon disease affecting around 5000 people in the UK at any time. There is currently no cure for MND; once diagnosed, the average life expectancy is only three years. The disease affects nerves in the body called Motor Neurones. Symptoms are often picked up at an early stage, with many struggling with muscle weaknesses, usually first picked up on when repeatedly struggling to grip glasses or dropping things often. From this point, the disease attacks the motor neurones, with most patients eventually losing complete control of their bodies and needing to rely on full-time care.

The primary goal of the MNDA (Motor Neurone Disease Association) is to improve access to care for those affected by MND and, crucially, improve upon the funding of research into finding a cure for the disease. The main aim of the MNDA for patients diagnosed is to offer them the best quality of life possible for the time they have left. Any funds raised will go directly to the MNDA to help them fulfil the above goals and make life easier for the thousands of families battling this disease.

Thank you for taking the time to read this fundraising page. I will be very grateful for any donations made. This money will help change and hopefully one day, save, lives.