Knaresborough man and family raise £6,000 in Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon tribute to father with MND
A man and his family from Knaresborough have raised £6,000 for the MND Association after completing the Rob Burrow Marathon in Leeds in support of his father following a devastating diagnosis.
Will Cook completed the 26.5-mile challenge in an impressive time of four hours and 20 minutes, supported every step of the way by a relay team made up of family and friends.
The fundraiser was inspired by Will’s father, David Cook, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in November last year.
Will said: “In November last year, my wonderful father was diagnosed with MND and after a rough few months in hospital, we now have him settled with the care he needs to see out his days.
"The outpouring of love for him since his diagnosis has shown what a fantastic person he has been throughout his life.
“He's still very much with us and we wanted to show appreciation for him in any way we can.
"MND is an awful disease and anything we can do to prevent others suffering is worth doing.”
Determined to raise both funds and awareness for the condition, Will signed up for the Rob Burrow Marathon - an event created in honour of the former Leeds Rhinos star who became a leading figure in the fight against MND following his own diagnosis.
Joining Will throughout different stages of the route was a dedicated relay team including his wife Steph, cousin Helen Brown, friends Luke Whiteley and Ben Molzhan, his mother-in-law Trish, and brother Tom.
Several members of the team were non-runners but were keen to show their support for both Will and David while helping to raise money for the MND community.
Throughout the marathon, the team kept in close contact with David, who was following their progress from his care home in Stamford Bridge.
He was able to track the team’s journey from the start at Headingley Stadium through Otley and Bramhope before the emotional finish back at Headingley.
Will added: “Myself and the team would like to thank wholeheartedly everyone who gave their support.
"The JustGiving page is still open if anyone would like to donate to this worthwhile cause.”
To make a donation, visit https://justgiving.com/page/running-for-dd