Katies Northern Double Run Challenge

KATIES NORTHERN DOUBLE RUN CHALLENGE
I'm taking on a Double run challenge this Autumn where I plan to complete (and survive!) 2 big runs roughly 1 month apart:
1)The Great North Run half marathon on Sunday 13th September 2026.
AND
2)The Altra Yorkhire Marathon in York on Sunday 18th October 2026.

I'm hoping to raise as near to £500 as I can, to be split between 2 incredible charities

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
myname5doddie.co.uk/
Estblished by rugby player Doddie weir and the trustees in 2017 following Doddies diagnosis of MND. This amazing charity was founded in response to frustrations at the lack of options available for MND patients - no effective treatment, limited access to meaningful clinical trials and what can feel like no hope. The aims of the foundation are simple:
-To raise funds to aid research into the cause of  MND and investigate potential cures.
-To make grants to individuals suffering from MND, to enable them to live as fulfilled a life as possible.

AND

Petals
petalscharity.org/
PETALS is a baby loss counselling charity.
The specialist counselling service that they provide is life-changing for parents who have suffered the devastating loss of a pregnancy or death of a baby. These tragic experiences can not only result in grief but also in trauma. Their wonderful counsellors are there to help parents navigate their grief and trauma and to guide them to a place of hope.
Specialist psychological care related to pregnancy loss is not available on the NHS even though stillbirth & neonatal death affects 12,400 parents each year and represents 2% of pregnancies. Miscarriage is said to occur in 25% of all pregnancies.
Raising £80 will enable Petals to fund one counselling session.
£1,200 will fund one new Petals approved counsellor.

WHY AM I DOING THIS?
It was through my work as a GP and Educator that I had the pleasure of first getting to know Dr Luke. I was involved in supporting his GP training and he also worked alongside me as a GP colleague in our team at Nidderdale Group Practice. When he moved back down South from Yorkshire to continue his GP career, he kept in touch with colleagues and friends and still regularly returned to the Yorkshire Dales.
Luke was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND, also known as ALS) in April 2023, at the age of just 34. MND is currently a life limiting, degenerative neurological disease with an average life expectancy of 30 months from the onset of symptoms. Luke first noticed symptoms early in 2022.
Recieving the diagnosis was utterly devastating, particularly as it came only 10 months after Luke and his wife Kate were married, and when Kate was just 4 weeks pregnant.

Since his diagnosis, Luke has worked together with the My name'5 Doddie Foundation to help raise funds to aid research into the causes of MND and investigate potential cures. The foundation also makes grants available to indirviduals suffering with MND, to enable them to live as fulfilled a life as possible.

Sadly, in October 2023 Kate and Lukes son Rowan, was still born at 31 weeks. Rowan lives on in their memories and will always be endlessly loved. This was another devastating loss and the specialized support and connection they found through Petals was simply invaluable.

In June 2024 I joined Luke, his wife Kate and many of their family and friends for part of their epic coast to coast Charity walk following Hadrians Wall from West to East.
The film (See YouTube link below) shows more about Luke and about this challenge. I do not think you can fail to be moved by their story, their passion for life and for making a positive difference for MND and those navigating the loss of a baby.

Since Luke undertook the challenge and created the film, the weakness in his muscles has gradually progressed with more muscles becoming affected. He now moves around using a mobility scooter when outside and walking frames when inside. He uses a device to help with eating and unfortunately his voice has now become affected. His days of walking the mountains might be over, but he says "I continue to find ways, with the wonderful people around me, to keep doing the things I love".

....in August this year Luke and Kate welcomed their new baby girl Willow Hope into the world which is just wonderful news.

I have decided to do my own challenge to raise money for these 2 charities after seeing the positive impact they've had. I'm not chasing personal sporting PBs or trying to do anything remarkable, but to run these distances do require some commitment to training! Every time I lace up my trainers I appreciate just what a privaleged position I'm in to be able to move outside, go up hills (even though I dislike them) and be fit and well with 3 healthy children.

If you feel able to donate I'd be so grateful, but equally if you simply read about the work of My name'5 Doddie foundation and Petals, and spread awareness then that would be a positive ripple that might just help someone you know.
I'm hoping to take a project forward with the help of Luke and a small group to create learning resources for GPs around MND from early recognition to supporting those with this diagnosis to find the support, care and treatment they need.

Thanks for reading.
Lots of love,
Katie
xx