Luke Runs Leeds Marathon for MND

Luke is running the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon this May to raise money for Parkinson's UK after his dad was diagnosed with the disease.

Beginning running in 2019, Luke found a real passion for running during COVID, joining his local running club, St Helen's Striders.

"During that time, I saw my love for running grow into a passion, and I see it as a way of life..."

He also found that it massively helped his mental health:

"...Having had quite a few battles with it for a long time now, I am fully aware that if I start feeling a bit down or stressed out about anything, I know very well that I can put on my running kit and start clocking up the miles."

Eventually building up to running 10Ks and half marathons, Luke has decided to join us in Leeds for his first ever marathon.

Luke states that he has five reasons for taking part in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon:

1. To raise the profile of Parkinson's Disease after his dad was recently diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's.
2. In memory of George, who passed away from MND. Although he had been diagnosed a few years prior to his death, it took a long time for him to get the diagnosis before awareness of the disease became common knowledge.
3. Luke was inspired by the work of the "late greats", Rob Burrow CBE (continued by his wife Lindsay) and Doddie Weir, as well as the efforts of Kevin Sinfield to raise money and awareness of MND in how it affects not only sufferers, but also the friends and families who are witnesses of its devastating effects.
4. He believes that normal people who go through such things deserve to be recognised as well as the high-profile figures who often draw attention to such issues.
5. To find a cure for MND, which, although having garnered lots of awareness and attention in recent years, remains underfunded.

You can support Luke in his efforts by visiting his fundraising page, seen below.