Jean’s marathon challenge to celebrate 93rd birthday

Many people approaching a birthday might plan a party, but 92-year-old Jean had other ideas. Instead of putting her feet up, Jean decided to walk the distance of a marathon during May, to support the MND Association.

Jean’s fundraising inspirations were her sister-in-law, Kath who died in 2001, only a few weeks after being diagnosed with MND, and Rob Burrow MBE. Jean said: “My idea began when I watched a news item last spring about the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon. This caught my attention as my dearly loved sister-in-law died of MND. So to hear of a young, fit rugby player and his family having to cope with this dreadful disease made me wish I could do something.”

Jean with the teddy knitted for her by her late friend Brenda Jean embarked on training walks to see what was possible, receiving encouragement from her Monday social club and accompanied by a teddy bear, knitted for her by her late friend Brenda. In May, Jean completed the challenge a few days after her 93rd birthday, clutching the special teddy wearing orange and blue.

Jean said: “Words are not enough to express my thanks for the support and encouragement I’ve received. I thought my first target of £500 was ambitious, but knowing that I have met the latest target of £1,777 with more to come, makes me both proud and humble. Proud that I’ve achieved my aim to support the work of the MND Association, and humble that so many people had faith in me.”

You can support Jean’s fundraising on her Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/ page/jean-craig-1679586321718