Andy's MND Challenge: Raising Money in Memory of Nephew Ben

Andy is running this year's Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in memory of his nephew Ben.

Ben sadly passed away at 41 years old in April of 2021 after a three-year long battle with MND, leaving behind a wife and young daughter. He was a big brother to three sisters who he teased constantly, but would do anything for, and is described by those who remember him as "an incredible person, so funny and full of life".

After his diagnosis, Andy decided to put all of his running efforts into raising funds for the MND Association.

"MND is such a brutal disease, and when Ben was diagnosed, it felt terrible for the whole family. I liken it to throwing a pebble into a pond, the ripples reach everyone, from Ben's mum and dad and sisters, to extended family and friends."

In 2023, he ran from his home in Bristol to Headingley in 7 days, and on the eighth day completed the Rob Burrow Marathon. Last October, Andy also ran between 3 stadiums carrying a cricket bat, a football, and a rugby ball to honour David Lawrence, Marcus Steward, and Ed Slater, all who suffered with MND. This took place over 2 days, and covered a total distance of 68 miles.

"Like everyone who raises funds for MNDA, I will keep banging the drum until there's more effective treatment, and eventually a cure for MND."

This year, Andy is planning to run from Edinburgh to Leeds in 7 days, and then complete the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon. After this, he hopes to carry on a further 80 miles across the Pennines to Liverpool to continue his fundraising.

If you would like to support Andy in his impressive challenge, you can visit his JustGiving page, seen below.