Half marathon for 'forgotten' disease

Published Date: 20 March 2009
By Kate Lahive


A MEDICAL expert is preparing to pound the streets of Sheffield to raise cash for the "forgotten" disease he spends his days researching.
Richard Mead, aged 38, works as a specialist researcher into Motor Neurone Disease at the University of Sheffield's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

He decided to sign up for the Sheffield Half Marathon when he heard the MND Association would be among the charities to benefit from this year's run.

The disease is often referred to as the "forgotten disease" as government funding for research into the condition is so limited.

MND affects around 5,000 people at any one time in the UK and leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. Life expectancy after diagnosis averages just three years.

Richard, from High Storrs, said: "Research into MND is chronically under-funded, yet it is arguably one of the most devastating diseases in the world.

"When I heard that the MND association was one of the new charities to benefit from the Sheffield Half Marathon, I thought it was a great chance to raise funds for a fantastic cause, as well as raising awareness of the disease."

"I have set myself a goal to complete the race in less than two hours so I just hope the training pays off."

The SIG Insulations Sheffield Half Marathon and 3k Fun Run is on Sunday April 26 and starts at Don Valley Stadium at 9.30am. Enter online at www.sheffieldmarathon.com or call 0114 2308429.

http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Half-m...ase.5089641.jp