When I was asked to be a Patron of the Mel Evans MBE Foundation I was delighted and honoured. 

I first heard of Motor Neurone Disease when I met my partner Lewis Johnson (fellow patron). His high school friend Jordan Pilkington had been diagnosed with MND and Lewis told me all about him and his story. It really took me back when I learned more about the disease and when I learned of Jordan’s age being just 22 years old when he got diagnosed. The more I learnt of MND and the more people I met who had been affected by it the more I wanted to help in some way, and also support Lewis as much as I could. 

Lewis loves his running and starting raising money for MND by running marathons with his first being Leeds. We both went onto to meet founder, Lynn through various events and runs. I quickly realised Lynn was an extraordinary lady and the effort and passion she put into the charity was remarkable. We quickly became good friends with Lynn and she was very supportive of Lewis’ fundraising. Lynn has always guided us both with the organisation of Lewis’ challenges and we want to give what we can to Lynn and her charity. 

I ran my first half marathon at Leeds last year for The Mel Evans MND foundation and however big or small, I do what I can to help. Whether that is collecting raffle and auction prizes or just simply sharing and spreading awareness. The goal is to keep spreading awareness and raise funds for research until we find a cure.