2 May 2025 News

#TeamMND were out in force in Manchester

A total of 330 incredible #TeamMND runners took to the streets of London and Manchester in sweltering conditions on Sunday to help raise funds and awareness of motor neurone disease (MND).

While the endless spring sunshine and blue skies were in perfect harmony with #TeamMND’s iconic blue and orange vests they also made for difficult running conditions for our teams of runners – many of whom had been preparing for the moment for months.

Thanks to their unwavering dedication and support, more than £500,000 was raised during the course of the weekend – vital funds which will help the MND Association to improve care and support for people living with MND, their families and carers, while also funding groundbreaking research into potential new treatments.

The MND Association’s Director of Income Generation, Jo Coker said: “For many of our runners, Sunday was the culmination of months of hard work and preparation and we are so grateful for everything they have done to support us.

 “Everyone will have had their own very personal reasons for wanting to take on this huge challenge – whether they have been inspired by our community, or have been affected by MND themselves. Whatever the reason, the sheer courage and motivation required to take part in a challenge of this scale cannot be overestimated. Every step – every mile – has helped to make a huge difference to people living with MND and their families and means the world to us and our whole community.”

At both events, #TeamMND cheer squads lined the routes with the Association’s South London Branch out in force at Mile 21 of the London Marathon, while volunteers from the Manchester and District Branch handed out sweets and plenty of cheers and encouragement at Mile 21 in Manchester.

In London, MND Association Patron Charlotte Hawkins was there to cheer on everyone taking part, including her husband Mark, who also ran his first marathon on behalf of the Association in memory of her father Frank who died from MND.

Inspired to take on your own fundraising challenge? Find the event which is right for you!