In April 2023, at the age of 34, my good friend Luke was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND, also known as ALS), a life limiting, degenerative neurological disease with an average life expectancy of 30 months from the onset of symptoms. Receiving this diagnosis was utterly devastating for him, his wife (and my schoolfriend) Kate, and their whole family. Their journey wasn't made any easier by the stillbirth of their son Rowan at 31 weeks in October 2023.

Since being diagnosed with MND/ALS I have be amazed, inspired and taken aback by the strength, determination and openness that both Kate and Luke have shown. They have travelled continents and jumped out of planes. Since turning 40 I decided to celebrate the start of a new decade by taking on a new physical challenge and use it as an opportunity to raise awareness and money for those affected by MND/ALS. On Sunday June 1st I will take part in the Erding Triathlon, completing 400m of swimming, followed by 20km on the bike and 5km running. Without much time to train I'm relying on my basic fitness and commute to work. And of course the adrenalin that thinking about Kate and Luke's journey will give me!

The money I raise will go to the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation who have a clear vision of a world free of MND. The charity was established by rugby player Doddie Weir and the trustees in November 2017 following Doddie’s diagnosis. It was founded in response to his frustration at the lack of options available for MND patients – no effective treatment, limited access to meaningful clinical trials and what can feel like no hope.

The aims of the Foundation are simple:

- To raise funds to aid research into the causes of MND and investigate potential cures.

- To make grants to individuals suffering from MND, to enable them to live as fulfilled a life as possible.

Do you want to join me in making a difference? Every donation however small or large is greatly appreciated and please do forward this link to your friends and family and post it in your social media networks!

Lots of love,

Belinda