Runner aims to be first with motor neurone disease to run London Marathon
A former professional footballer is aiming to become the first person with motor neurone disease (MND) to run the London Marathon on Sunday.
Mark Maddox played for Altrincham and had always led an active athletic life. He had just begun to realise his ambition of becoming a football coach when he was diagnosed with MND.
Since his diagnosis two years ago, Mark has already run the Liverpool marathon in a time of six hours and taken part in a sky dive, all to raise awareness as well as funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Typical life expectancy is between two and five years after diagnosis and around half of those who are diagnosed with the disease die within 14 months.
The disease attacks the nerves and leads to muscle wasting, affecting how sufferers walk, talk and breathe.
The news that he had an incurable disease was devastating for the 40-year-old athlete and his young family.
However Mark has remained optimistic about what he wants to achieve.
Doctors have warned the father of three that due to the effects of the disease on his body it means the chances of him completing the marathon are stacked against him.
But Mark has resolved that this will not stop him taking part to raise awareness and funds for the Association and said he is hoping to beat his Liverpool Marathon time and complete the 26.2 miles in around six hours.
Five people a day die in the UK from MND. It is a rapidly progressive and fatal disease that can affect any adult at any time.