Matt Cox walks into a room and something shifts.

People relax. Shoulders drop. Strangers start talking. It's a rare gift, the ability to make someone feel like the most important person in the room, and Matt has it in abundance.

As Executive Producer of the Pride of Britain Awards and the NHS Heroes Awards, Matt spent his career doing something extraordinary. He sat with people at their most vulnerable - patients, families, frontline workers, brave kids, heartbroken parents, all carrying unimaginable weight and in the way only Matt can, he made them feel safe enough to share their stories with the world. He had a way of holding space for heartbreak that was genuinely rare but also for helping them to find the joy. The people he filmed with, trusted him completely, and you only have to spend five minutes with Matt to understand why.

Matt is one of those people you feel lucky to know.

Earlier this year, Matt was diagnosed with Upper and Lower Motor Neurone Disease. with late adult onset. To our US friends and colleagues, it's more widely known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. Matt is a young, vibrant energetic person. To be diagnosed with a terminal illness, is devastating.

But Matt being typically Matt... his first instinct was to think about others. He says "As my body changes, I'm realising how many expensive mobility aids I'm going to need, as well as round the clock care. But I'm lucky... I have support from an amazing network of close friends and family, and I can't bear to think there may be others going through this, who may not have that."

So he's not doing a couple of stints round his garden to raise funds, he's going big and he's taking on the London Marathon.

Matt won't be running. He'll be pushed in his wheelchair by the family who love him, carried quite literally by his brother Tomos, sister Natalie, cousin Stewart and, born to his dad and step mum, Matt's other brother ... also called Tom! All four of Matt's pushers hold him up every single day and in turn, he inspires them every day. That image says everything you need to know about our lovely Matt, the life he has built and the person he is.

About MND

Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive, terminal illness that attacks the nerves controlling movement. There is currently no cure. The MND Association funds vitally important grants to support those living with the disease and their families. Every pound raised contributes towards each person diagnosed with MND maintaining a sense of independence an dignity. Small things that are funded, make a big difference, like special braces that strap your ankles to your big toes, a much-needed aid which has enabled Matt to walk and keep his independence for longer.

Why £100,000?

You know Matt, go big or go home. Because Matt has spent a career shining a light on other people's courage. It's time to shine one on his.

Because the people whose stories he told - the nurses, the patients, the heroes, those brave kids and devastated parents - deserve to know he's being looked after too.

And because if you've ever met Matt Cox, you already know, this is exactly the kind of thing he would do for you.

Please give what you can, any amount will help. If you can't give then please share this page everywhere, even better give and then share it everywhere encouraging others to give. And if you've ever been in a room with Matt and felt that warmth, or if you could just take our word for it and know he's a very special person - this is your chance to give a little of it back. Nothing would make him happier than getting to that 100k goal.

For Matt. For MND research. For everyone who comes after him, please give.