In May 2021, Flo Campbell's life changed forever when she was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) at the devastating age of just 34.
A year on, despite the terminal condition, the Darlington optometrist is preparing to take on the Great North Run, pushed by her keen runner husband Ross. The mum-of-two - who now needs a wheelchair - has seen friends and family rally around her over the last 16 months.
They've taken part in a range of fundraising challenges under the banner #FightForFlo - they've already raised £28,000 and hope to double that by the end of 2022. The latest will see Ross push Flo in a specially-designed wheelchair - provided by Delichon - along the 13.1 mile course from Newcastle to South Shields.
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In the past Ross has taken part in abseils and a number of swimming and running challenges. The fundraising has all been - and continues to be - in support of the Motor Neurone Association.
Ross said the couple were excited to run together for the first time. He said: "This will be Flo’s first Great North Run, and my 8th, but definitely the most daunting. We aim is to continue to raise awareness of MND and funds for the MND Association so they can continue to support research into treatments to this condition, which currently has no cure, and also help support people already suffering with MND.
"In our Team fundraiser #FightForFlo we have so far raised over £28,000 for the MND Association, and our aim is to raise at least £30,000 through the remaining events in 2022.”
The special wheelchair is only possible thanks to the support of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the accessibility firm Delichon. The MND Assocation works to improve access to support for those with MND alongside help funding studies into potential cures.
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