Today we are celebrating the publication of David's  second book for children, Mr Snuffles' Birhday. It's a lovely book, beautifully illustrated by Emily Wallis, and we are immensely proud of David.

But he isn't here to celebrate with us, because he died of Motor Neurone Disease in September 2016, aged 31. It should be David who is welcoming the publication and doing the publicity, , talking about Mr Snuffles and reading it to children in schools.  David should have been able to read the story to his and his wife Philippa's children.

Motor Neurone Disease is a devastating illness that robs those who live with it of almost all their ability to move, including, in the case of bulbar MND, the type David had, of the power to speak, swallow or breathe. 

Although it takes many forms, and some live with the condition for many years, MND often kills with devastating swiftness, and half of those diagnosed die within  two years. There is as yet no cure, and the only treatment is a drug that MIGHT prolong life  by three months.

So I'm running the GNR again, with David's Dad Andrew and his brother Peter, for the MNDA..

Last time we ran for 2Fingers2MND in 2016, David was alive, supporting us by the side of the road, though he was desperately ill.

Since he died our relationship with MNDA has developed and I have a much better understanding of its pivotal role in supporting people living with MND, and their families. The MNDA campaigns to raise awareness, for better understanding of the needs of people with MND, including changing government policy, as well as providing practical support and advice. Crucially it makes a significant contribution to ongoing research into the causes of MND, into developing treatments, and ultimately a cure.

So this year I'm running not just for David, I'm running for everyone afected by MND, and for a world free of MND.

Please help me by donating even a very small amount.

Thanks  for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.