08/05/2023
Pre 2020 I'd never thought about running as an hobby, It was something we did alot of in preseason at rugby to be honest I hated. Broncos steps at odsal the run to the water tower dreaded them so much.
But the world change and so did my mental health. I was lost no work no rugby but plenty of beer and take away, I knew something had to give. I got in contact with Paula Appleton for some p.t sessions. After 5 weeks I told her of my plan to run the 16 miles between Andys man club Huddersfield and andys man club Leeds. She believed I could do it and we set about training the day come I set a target time of 3.10.00 it took 3.11.47. I raised over my target it felt amazing to give back to a club that truly saved my life.
Fast forward just over 6 months, Sir kev inspired many stories of runners doing amazing things for mnd, He inspired a chubby lad to plan an ultra marathon even before he had run a marathon. 46 miles of tarmac was pounded between old Trafford and headingley in just over 10 hours. But this one was where I meet my own mnd hero and inspiration Steve, an hash tag the spurred me when I needed it the most. A reason to run for mnd, one meet changed my reason why. The ultra raised just short of £3000 for mnd. This unknown at the time would open the door to my first TCS London Marathon in 2022, I ran as part of team mnd. Something runners dream of doing.
I rained it in a little an did a small 17 mile run for the Royal British legion on rememberence Sunday, running between 11 cenotaphs before 11 o'clock and rasing £170. Not lot but it ball helps.
Parkinsons enters my life and knowing only one way I can help I donned my trainers again, After what can only be explained as a poor application filled with emotion I got a place at London 23 on team Parkinson's UK. Fueled by emotions and a rare hug of my dad I smashed my time by 34 minutes. Hoping to hit my target for this in the next 6 weeks.
This time next week my home town marathon will be completed all in aid of the Leeds Hospitals Charity Rob Burrow center for mnd.
Well wearing the name of Pat Rawnsley. tattooed on my leg and prays for Michelle who continues to battle mnd.
To all my mnd heros lost and still fighting I hope I've done you all proud.
To my own parkinsons hero I hope you know that I'm so proud of you.
So to very sponsor, everyone that as come to an event. A massive thank you to all of you.
We are closing in on massive amount raised in total.
