I met Matt through our boys playing rugby at school and club over 10 years ago. Matt was an inspirational coach bringing pro rugby pedigree and a passion for the game that helped our team excel. Matt’s was diagnosed in October 2023 with MND / ALS. Never one to give up he came out fighting. In the last 2 years his foundation has funded additional MND nurses in the West Midlands as well as helping so many families affected by MND. Since his diagnosis Matt has inspired so many people bringing an entire community of friends together around those affected by MND. With Matt as my inspiration in 2024 I swam an ice mile as a personal challenge. In 2025 with a group of friends we swam the Lake District Triple Crown. This year I wanted to set an even bigger challenge and one with my son, which is where it all began with Matt.

The Rockman Swimrun is a unique team event in Norway on July 4th, 2026. Set in one of the world’s most rugged and beautiful places and estimated to take over 12 hours we will:

Climb 2400 meters

Swim 6400 meters

Run 35000 meters

Getting in and out of the water 10 times enduring water temperatures of 10 C and air temperatures of as low as -2 C. This will be tough on both body and mind. Being regarded as an extreme alpine course just finishing will be an achievement but for me just getting to the start line uninjured be a challenge.

Help us help those affected by MND in the Midlands by supporting our adventure or start your own challenge and hopefully you’ll be able to say “I can’t believe I did that” too.

More information about The Matt Gallagher Foundation: The Matt Gallagher Foundation is a charity to help people suffering with Motor Neurone Disease in the Midlands area. We aim to offer support for both them and their families. Whether it is funding a stairlift, wet room or helping fund a dream holiday to make lasting memories with loved ones We understand that time is of the essence and delays provided by larger organisations, can often cause additional pain and suffering, so we aim to make quick decisions.

Thank you for any donations, no matter how big or small they will change lives.

With love Oli and Tom x