This year I will be running the Great North Run in memory of my awesome friend Dave Greaves. A few months ago I tore my calf muscle, and I am currently on a very slow graded return to running, which will  make this years’ run even more challenging than normal, but knowing I will be running in Dave’s memory, for such a fantastic cause will definitely spur me on.

In June 2015, a month after his 30th birthday, Dave was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). MND is a devastating neurodegenerative condition which causes increasing muscle paralysis and a dramatically shortened life expectancy. MND kills more than 1/3
of people within a year of diagnosis, and more than 1/2 within 2 years. At present there is no treatment or cure.

For Dave, the course of the disease was swift and cruel. Within 5 months he was unable to use his hands, after nine he couldn't walk. Towards the end of his life he was unable to talk, eat or breathe without the assistance of a ventilator. Dave passed away in September 2016 - a week after his first wedding anniversary and 15 months after his diagnosis. He is missed deeply by all who knew and loved him.  

Dave and his wife Philippa faced his diagnosis head on. In December 2015 they raised over £12,000 for the MND Association, by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at a time when Dave had already lost the use of his hands and needed assistance walking. This was the start of the 2fingers2MND team. As Dave's family and friends we have decided it is our turn to step up to the plate and are taking part in a number of challenges to raise money to fight this disease.

The MND Association fund and promote research that brings us closer to a cure for MND. They also provide support and provide care for people with MND, their families and carers. They are an invaluable organisation.

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