Neil's fundraising story
“When the going gets tough remember why you’re challenging yourself and that you're helping other people.”
Meet Neil Jones. He’s run over 100 marathons in the past, but this one is different. He’s not only running the Leeds Marathon, but is taking on another 6 marathons up and down the country in the lead up to the event!
Like the rest of the team, he’s taking on the challenge to fundraise for Motor Neurone Disease at the University of Sheffield. Thank you Neil! We’re very grateful for your support.
Follow Neil's journey on Instagram
Read more about Neil’s motivations for taking on his challenge below:
What motivated you to join the University of Sheffield team at the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon?
I was motivated to take up a challenge for MND by Kevin Sinfield's incredible exploits with everything he has done for Rob Burrow and raising awareness for Motor Neurone Disease.
What does fundraising for MND research at the University of Sheffield mean to you?
It will hopefully mean we help find a cure for MND with this money going directly into research. I don’t intend to stop trying to raise funds after this challenge and hopefully provided I stay fit and healthy I’ll look for bigger challenges - maybe a 100 mile race.
The majority of my fundraising and advertising for my running will be done through social media and Instagram, run_superman_run - anyone is welcome to follow my running journey.
A local TV production company will also be filming as part of the highlights programme for the Newport marathon - one of the races I’ll be taking part in as part of the challenge. They’ll be filming me and also with my local running club, the Pontyclun road runners.
How do you feel about taking on this challenge?
I’m excited and keen to take on the challenge, as an experienced runner I wanted to do something a little tougher and something that I felt was worthwhile being sponsored for. I’ve done over a hundred marathons previously but never done any fundraising, so thought this would be the perfect opportunity to help raise money and awareness for MND research and its community.
Do you have any advice for those who might be considering taking on a similar challenge for MND?
Anyone wishing to take on challenges has to believe in themselves and surround themselves with positive people and give them a positive mindset to keep getting up and training daily. When the going gets tough remember why you’re challenging yourself and that you're helping other people.
Good luck, Neil! We're behind you every step of the way!