Short version : I've entered the London marathon ballot every year since my last fundraise in 2013 when having to abort (half way round) through a yoga injury. As soon as I got the "Yes" email in 2024 I immediately knew I would do this for our friend Matt. A ski accident last year meant I had to defer my 2025 entry to 2026, so rather than my previous family record attempt back in 2013 as the target, this is about getting the distance done for Matt, raising awareness of MND and the enormous amount of work his foundation has achieved since his diagnosis in Oct 2023. Update - Really difficult to write this, sadly Matt passed away on Sunday 8th March. Only comfort is he is now at peace and I know all his efforts through the foundation and his many friendships will continue to help and inspire many others.

Want to join me in making a difference? I’m raising money to benefit The Matt Gallagher Foundation, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

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.

Long version : I'll never forget the moment Pat walked in to our kitchen and told us of Matt's diagnosis in Oct 2023. I had been a supporter and follower of Doddie Weirs journey and knew just how difficult this news and journey ahead would be. Matt, Lisa and their 3 delightful children Hollie-Mae, Jack and Daisy have long been family friends largely through Solihull School and rugby, though were particularly supportive to Pat when my father-in law Dave passed away in 2016. Whilst the regular fish and chip Fridays weren't possible after moving Pat nearer to us, we or they would always call in if we were near each others homes and spoke regularly.

Matt and his families response has been nothing short of incredible. After the initial shock their thoughts were how they could help others in the West Midlands when there were just 3 specialist MND nurses serving one of the largest UK health authorities. No time was lost in establishing the foundation and the good it could do. It's felt like there has been almost a fundraising event every single week, whether that be rugby, cricket, fun runs, the annual charity ball, wine tasting, auctions, golf days or cake baking events to name a few that they've organised and then on top are all the many friends and colleagues who have been out raising money for the foundation. Over £1,600,000 has been raised and created an enormous amount of assistance to so many MND warriors in the West Midlands.

So I'll be on that start line on 26th April. Many that will have known me a while will know there's been 3 and a half London marathons for me (99, 01, 02 and 13). I've never found the so called "bug" my Dad found back in 1982 when he and his pal Richard Griffin ran for a colleagues son with Muscular Dystrophy and then went on to run over 50 marathons. Perhaps at 6'5" and usually 100kg or more, it's unrealistic to think that distance running is going to be fun for me. The score to settle of 2013 is no longer important, this is not about me, it's all about Matt. I will of course be enormously grateful for anything that you kindly contribute to help his cause and together perhaps we can help those suffering from MND and work towards finding a cure soon.

Thank you for reading,

Neil