100 & 80km Challenge - Matt Hampson Foundation

There are certain days that change the course of your life forever!

This was one of those days.

When diagnosed with MND I searched for hope, motivation and faith... None of which will be found in doctors appointments.

However, thank god for people like David Needham & James Sutliff who gave me the glimmer of hope I needed to start rebuilding my life.

David is 9 years into his MND journey and still absolutely beasting the gym. He too was given the same bleak timescale as myself, but refused to accept this and set about defying the odds and paving the way for people who refuse to quit!

I met them both at the Matt Hampson Foundation in Leicester. On walking in, I realised I was somewhere special.. The general aura of the place is breathtaking. We immediately felt welcomed and part of a family. The day consisted of motivational talks, weight training, banter, tears and lots of nice food. I left feeling even more determined to defy the odds.

I will be visiting the centre regularly to keep myself positive moving forward.

Due to the foundation's fantastic work, my friends and I would like to give a bit back by starting this Go Fund Me page and completing two challenges:

First Challenge (3rd December):

Two very good friends of mine, Chris Stevens and Gareth Edwards who recently ran 13 half marathons in 13 days, will be running 100km in aid of MND and the Matt Hampson Foundation. The route will begin in Hereford at 7 am, where they'll make their way to Abergavenny (27 miles), up to Brynmawr (8 miles), across to Rogerstone (17 miles) and then finally to Abertillery Park, where they'll finish the last 12 miles supported by myself. Please join me at the finish line to welcome these two amazing guys as they complete this monumental effort!

Second Challenge (17th December):

I will take on an 80km bike ride challenge with the help of a few friends. We will begin our ride from Cwmbran, travel the canal route to Brecon, double back and finish up at the Coach & Horses in Llangynidr! Please feel free to meet us at the finish line for some well-deserved beverages!

Any donations would be greatly appreciated; it's for a great cause and something that is very close to my heart.