Matt to run the Leeds Marathon for his Dad, David

When David was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) on 15 December 2025, it came as a shock to Matt and his family. It was the moment their worlds turned upside down and everything changed.

David, a hairdresser from Preston, is someone who has always been at the heart of the people around him. David is known for his warmth, humour and fun energy. Matt says he’s the sort of person who lifts a room the moment he walks in. “He’s the life and soul of any party”.

To Matt he’s his hero. Growing up, Matt says his Dad taught him values that have stayed with him throughout his life: work hard, be kind to people and treat others the way you’d want to be treated.

“He has an incredible work ethic and endless dedication,” Matt says. “He has a unique way of making people feel special, comfortable and 10ft tall. Family is everything to Dad and we’re all so proud of everything he’s has achieved in his life"

Before David’s diagnosis, MND was something Matt admits he knew very little about. Like many families, it wasn’t something they had ever imagined would affect them.

In the weeks that followed, Matt began thinking about what he could do to help. Wanting to turn a difficult situation into something positive, he decided to take on the Leeds Marathon and raise money for the MND Association.

For Matt, the challenge is about more than just running 26.2 miles.

“This is my way of supporting my dad, our family, and everyone else affected by MND,” he says.

By taking on the marathon, Matt hopes to raise awareness and funds that will support people living with MND today, while helping move research forward for the future.