"I'm doing it all for Dad": Lisa Runs Leeds Marathon After Dad's MND Diagnosis

Lisa is running this year's Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in honour of her Dad, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease on the 23rd of December.

Although his symptoms started 9 months before, as an avid gym goer, he thought it was just an injury. At first, he realised he could no longer pick up dumbbells and, when on holiday, discovered that he didn't have the strength to swim.

After several visits to GPs and physios, he was eventually referred to the Neurology department for tests.

"Myself, Mum and Dad went to the hospital together to get the results. A moment in time that I will never ever forget. Shock, devastation, and absolute heartbreak were the only words I can use to describe how we felt."

As a very close family, this hit Lisa and her parents hard. 

"When MND strikes, you are left helpless, no treatment, no hope, just learning to live with this devastating disease, watching the person you love deteriorate and lose their independence."

So, Lisa has decided to raise money for the MNDA to take back control, and do her part to help the battle against MND.

The family has found the MNDA extremely supportive after joining their group within a week of the diagnosis, and have since attended a support meeting.

"They're the club you never want to be a part of, but once you are they're the most supportive club ever."

Lisa's Dad now has difficulty with his hands and arms, now struggling with eating, driving, and simply picking things up. Thankfully, he can still walk, and enjoys doing so every day.

"I'm running the Rob Burrow Marathon for my Dad because he is Leeds born and bred, and was a keen runner."

Lisa is also running the Manchester Marathon, the Roberttown Half, and the Bingley 10 Mile, as well as running 100 miles in January to raise money for the MNDA in addition to the Leeds Marathon. She has also organized a group walk on the 8th of March, and over 80 people have already signed up.

"I'm doing it all for Dad, and every other family that has been touched by MND."