10 years ago, my mother died from Motor Neurone Disease, having been diagnosed just 18 months earlier. Following her death, I set up the Genifer Smith Trust Fund and decided to raise £100k for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. 

With the help of friends, I have raised almost £77,000 and intend to raise the remaining £23,000 during the course of 2011.

The money is being used to provide a better quality of life for people struck down with this terrible disease by providing care and equipment to help them to live as normal a life as possible, for as long as possible; for example The Motor Neurone Disease Association could:

• Train 50 new volunteers as Association Visitors. These visitors act as the main contact for people living with MND, their family and their carer.
  OR
• Purchase 8 ‘Lightwriters' - simple to use, robust and portable text to speech communication aids.
  OR 
• Purchase and maintain 20 Riser/Recliner armchairs that are specifically designed to lift users to a standing position and recline them to a resting position.

The cause of Motor Neurone Disease is unknown and there is no known cure -

Life expectancy after the first onset of symptoms is just two-five years.

During 2011, my friends and I will be taking part in a number of challenges, including:

3rd March 2011 - Vertical Rush, Tower 42

2oth March 2011 - Reading Half Marathon

17th April 2011 - Virgin London Marathon 

15th May 2011 - Etape Caledonia

July 11th 2011 - Etape du Tour

August 6th 2011 - Sleepless in the Saddle

November 6th 2011 - ING New York Marathon

Many people have asked me why I do what I do.

Watching the MND video will give you the answer. Sarah's Story 

(This video has been banned as an advert and given a 15 certificate, so persons under the age of 15 are advised not to view it).

Please support us by making a donation through Virgin Money Giving at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/steven

Through Virgin Money Giving, sponsorship is easy and donations will be quickly processed and passed to MNDA. Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity's behalf where the donor is eligible for this.

I really appreciate your continued support and thank you for your donations. Please pass this email on to friends and family, for the more people that know about this terrible disease, the more we can do to find a cure.

Steven