51-year-old Martyn Clarke from Wigan, has no direct connection to motor neurone disease (MND) but when he first heard Rob Burrow’s story a fire sparked in his belly, and he knew he wanted to do his bit to fundraise.

Over the years, Martyn has thrown himself into challenge after challenge, each tougher than the next, from a 7-man iron challenge to a triathlon across Europe, raising tens of thousands of pounds for MND charities.

During this time, Martyn met and built friendships with members of the MND community, who have spurred him on to continue his fundraising efforts, which is the reason behind his latest MND 777 Challenge, to complete 7 Marathons, across 7 UK counties in just 7 days.

We spoke to Martyn about why he has chosen to take on a challenge of this magnitude:

“This is going to be my last challenge of this physical caliber; I’m not getting any younger and I know I will be physically and mentally drained at the end of it. The training itself has been incredibly tough, but knowing the difference I am making for people affected by this cruel disease has urged me to keep going.

“Once I hang up my running shoes, it will be the end of challenges on this scale, but I will always be an ambassador for the MND community and continue to raise awareness and funds.”

Martyn has carefully mapped out his route, choosing special places where he has met inspirational people, from MND warriors, to family members whose loved ones have sadly died of MND.

On Monday 5^th May, Martyn will set off from Somerset, travelling through Portishead and then East to Birmingham, moving up North to Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Tyne & Wear, with his final stretch at the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on Sunday 11^th May.

When he arrives in Leeds to complete his last marathon, Martyn Clarke will join his friend Ian Flatt, who has been living with MND since 2019. Martyn met Ian after joining his 100 mile fundraising treks and the pair have built a close bond.

We spoke to Ian about Martyn’s latest challenge, he said:

“I’m sure Martyn will be absolutely shattered by the time he gets to the start line of his 7^th epic run, the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, but knowing him as we do, I’m equally sure that his guts, determination and a little bit of inspiration from the team and public will help drive him on to finish this incredible challenge.

“Martyn is an incredible friends and has been a wonderful support to my wife Rachael, daughters and me over the years as we embrace living with MND. Our families have completed and supported eachother on so many challenges which has helped create a very special and enduring friendship.

“We wish Martyn all the very best of luck in the first 6 marathons and I’m very much looking forward to running the 7^th with him!”

Through his latest fundraising endeavor, Martyn hopes to raise £7,777 for four charities supporting the fight against motor neurone disease, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, The Mel Evans MBE Foundation, The Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, and Leeds Hospitals Charity’s Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease appeal.

We spoke to Paul Watkins, Director of Fundraising at Leeds Hospitals Charity about Martyn’s extraordinary challenge, he said:

“It’s thanks to exceptional people like Martyn that we have now reached our £6.8 million fundraising target for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND, and we’re incredibly grateful for his continued efforts as we aspire to support the new centre for years to come.

“Martyn has become a well loved figure in the MND community, rallying around others and getting involved in as many opportunities as he can to raise awareness and funds to support people living with MND and their loved ones. All of us at Leeds Hospitals Charity wish Martyn the best of luck for his latest challenge and will be cheering him on as he crosses the finish line!”

 

Donate to Martyn's fundraising page here