Shelley Runs Fourth Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon

Shelley will be running the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in May in memory of multiple friends and family members who she has lost over the years.

Shelley's dad, Keith, was a hard worker all his life, sometimes holding down two jobs at a time to pay the mortgage and keep a roof over the family's head. After looking forward to his retirement, he was sadly diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease shortly afterwards.

"He bore it well, but slowly we lost our lovely dad."

Keith eventually passed away in 2017 after his battle with the disease.

At around the same time, another family member suffered a blow - Shelley's husband's cousin was diagnosed with MND, and he, too, eventually succumbed to the terrible illness.

"He was so brave and held so much dignity throughout. He managed with a sense of humour that belied his condition."

Shelley's husband follows Leeds Rhinos rugby team so, when Rob Burrow fell ill, they knew they had to take part in the Leeds Marathon to help raise funds.

"It didn't matter how hard it was, or how long it took, because we were lucky enough to be able to give it a go when so many can't."

Unfortunately, Shelley also lost another friend to MND: "He, too, was very active, funny, kind, and tried to enjoy life to the full."

Shelley will be thinking of all the people she has lost when running the race, especially when it gets tough.

"Life's too short, so embrace every day, don't put things off, as you don't know what's around the corner."