Head of Marketing, Ben Athow, had this to say about why the charity is important to him.
Sadly, in November 2022 my father-in-law, Mike, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. At the point of his diagnosis, I knew very little about this horrible disease, apart from some famous figures that have suffered from it such as Stephen Hawkin and more recently ex Leeds Rhinos Rugby Player, Rob Burrow. After doing some further reading, I quickly released how cruel it truly is and the importance of supporting the MND Association due to their valuable work they do for people with MND and their families.
It is believed that my father-in-law has a slower form of the disease, but that being said, it’s now very visible the effects this disease is having on his body. The MND Association have been nothing short of amazing since his diagnosis, fitting the house with numerous aids for mobility, arranging several consultations and even helping with his voice banking that will be used if he loses his speech. He has even recorded a few stories that can be played by the machine for my daughter, so he doesn’t lose the opportunity to read his granddaughter her bedtime story.
Mike received his diagnosis after many GP and hospital visits due to suffering from pain in his mouth which on certain days left him unable to eat. Numerous doctors were unable to find a clear cause, and he was eventually referred to neurologist after losing his balance and slurring his speech. It was at this point he got diagnosed with MND.
Ever since the diagnosis my wife has been heavily fundraising for the MND Association, and she has been a true inspiration for the lengths she is going to raise awareness, funds and support for her father and other people living with MND. Jenny has now completed two marathons, starting in April at the Manchester Marathon and concluding at the Rob Burrow Marathon in Leeds just four weeks later.
I am sure you have seen the emotional clips from this marathon as Kevin Sinfield carried his friend, Rob Burrow, over the finishing line after pushing him around the course for 26 miles. I was in the stadium at the time, and I don’t think the power of friendship has ever been more apparent and their efforts on the day were simply phenomenal. Kevin Sinfield has been the spearhead of MND fundraising efforts in recent years, he has now raised over £2.5 million for the charity, from events including 7 Marathons in 7 Days, 101-mile run in 24 hours, and most recently 7 ultra marathons in 7 days. Jenny and I have a huge amount of admiration for what Kevin has done for the MND community, and I couldn’t think of a better candidate for a Knighthood on this year’s honours list.
Now that Jenny has completed two marathons, I am keen to do my part to help with fund-raising for the MND Association. A few weeks ago, I proposed the idea of having a charity of the year for Norton Way Group, and Jason has kindly agreed to join the fund-raising efforts for the MND community. I would like to personally thank Jason and Norton Way Group for supporting this amazing charity and I am looking forward to the challenge of doing everything I can to make this a success.
As a family we take comfort from the work and fundraising efforts of people across the country that one day a cure will be found, and we won’t stop helping this amazing charity until that day!
(Written By Ben Athow)