Jenny takes on marathon challenge after dad’s heartbreaking medical diagnoses

A Southport woman is preparing to take on the Manchester Marathon in honour of her father.

Jenny Athow’s dad Mike was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, a revelation that shocked the family earlier this month.

Now Jenny, 30, has sprung into action and donned her running shoes in preparation for the 2023 Manchester Marathon, with a goal of raising at least £1,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Jenny said the diagnoses came as heartbreaking news for her family.

She said “Since receiving this heartbreaking diagnosis, I have used the resources available from the MND Association and have learned how cruel this progressive and incurable disease really is.

With motor neurone disease, known as MND, messages from the motor neurones gradually stop reaching the muscles. This leads the muscles to weaken, stiffen and waste, which can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. MND is life-shortening and there is no cure.

My dad is the strongest, kindest, bravest and most inspirational man. I am running the Manchester Marathon as I want to make him proud, raise awareness of this devastating disease and do whatever I can to help to find a cure.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to visit and support my page, and for reading our story. Thank you so much for any donation you are able to make.”

To donate please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jennifer-athow7