Rich Runs Rob Burrow Marathon to Honour Wife Louise

Rich is taking part in the 2026 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in honour of his wife, Louise, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in October of 2025.

His decision to take part in the race came from a desire to give back to the MNDA after all of their support following Louise's diagnosis, which brough their carefully planned world crashing down around them.

While they felt that something was wrong long before the diagnosis, they didn't know to what extent.

"Life before was busy, familiar, full of routines we both took for granted. But when all the medical professionals had exhausted all other possibilities, the words Motor Neurone Disease entered the room, and everything changed."

"We were confused, angry, questioning everything, and more importantly didn't know where to turn."

But Rich was determined to stand by Louise and support her in every way possible.

"In the early days, we searched for answers, for hope, for anything that could help make sense of the here and now, but also the future."

The more they read about MND, the people living with it and the families supporting them, the more they saw that it is a community full of positivity and courage.

"The MNDA were instrumental in providing wayfinding, support, and a crucial link to the NHS, too."

Following Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield's high-profile awareness and fundraising for the condition, Rich found himself reading more about Rob Burrow and the condition he shared with Louise.

"His resilience and refusal to let the disease define his purpose in his life, and the true friendship of Kev Sinfield was truly inspirational."

Running soon became Rich's go to when dealing with the stress of both the diagnosis and his full-time job, and it also meant he could keep physically fit in order to care for Louise with her progressing set of symptoms.

"After a particularly difficult day, I went for a run, not far and not fast, but enough to feel something shift. I began to think how I could use running for yet another positive aspect."

That is how he decided to take part in the Leeds Marathon.

"The Rob Burrow Marathon wasn't just any race. It resonated for obvious reasons - of resilience, of positivity, of community, of refusing to give in to despair. It will be a way of honour the love Louise and I share, and to channel fears into something constructive. We are still here. We are still fighting. We are still smashing each day - somehow."

Rich and Louise have been overwhelmed by the generosity and messages of kindness they received after beginning their fundraising.

"As May 2026 approaches, I'm not running for glory (although I would like to finish). I'm running because Louise deserves every ounce of strength I can give. I'm running because hope, even in its smallest form, is worth fighting for."

You can support Rich and Louise by visiting their JustGiving page, seen below, and help all those affected MND by contributing.

"When I cross the finish line, it won't be my victory alone. It will be hers, too."