CDS national sales manager Sophie Kelly, whose father has motor neurone disease, is taking part in a gruelling 50km run along the Thames Path in the autumn to raise £1,000 to help fight the cruel, incurable condition.
Sophie, whose 75-year-old father John was diagnosed with the disease four years ago, has already raised £3,500 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association which funds care, research and support for MND sufferers and their families.
Activities she has undertaken since his diagnosis include the Sheffield Half Marathon, Round Sheffield Run, 101010, tough mudder and The Great North Run.
And now CDS has named the MNDA its charity of the year for 2022, making a hefty contribution towards Sophie’s goal of raising £1,000 before the end of December, as well as promising to support further fundraising initiatives throughout the year.
“My dad was always a keen athlete,” said Sophie. “He’s run various marathons, undertaken the three peaks challenge and even climbed the Alps. This horrible disease disrupts the body’s functions and cruelly there is no cure.
“Every year I’ve given myself new challenges to continue to raise money for MND. This year is the biggest challenge yet. I’m unsure of my body has what it takes, but I’m not going to give up. I will take my dad’s bravery and put it into my running.”
Sophie’s dad John added: “It’s been a thrill to see my Sophie follow in my footsteps. Her latest challenge is definitely a big step for her and one which will test her every resolve. I look forward to hearing about the experiences on the day. I am also thrilled that she is raising money to go towards the work of the MND Association. I am sure her running will help raise awareness and support ongoing research into finding a cure for MND.”
The 50km route will take Sophie, on September 10, from Putney Bridge, the starting point for the Oxford Cambridge boat race, to Runnymede, where the Magna Carta was sealed 800 years ago.
She will be joined by around 2,000 other runners, joggers and walkers, some of whom will tackle a staggering 100km, with an overnight stop in a tent.
CDS MD Simon Abley said: “We’re honoured to be able to support Sophie as she tackles this mammoth run through some fascinating parts of the capital to raise money to help people like her dad who have been struck down with this cruel disease. Every year we choose to support a charity with some connection to someone on our team. And this year is no different.”
You can sponsor Sophie via her Just Giving page.
- CDS national sales manager Sophie Kelly and her dad John
