In Pictures: 7 Marathons in 7 Days to help Ballyshannon MND sufferer

Jud Leyland and his twin sister Alex Leyland have run seven marathons in seven days to raise money for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) and specialised equipment for Gerry Sheerin from Ballyshannon. 

Jud is Gerry’s future son-in-law. The pair began their runs in Manchester and finished at Gerry’s home in Tullaghan on Friday and Thomas Gallagher was on hand to capture their arrival in pictures.

To date they have raised more than €6,000 through their fundraising page https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/GerrySheerin7Marathonsin7Days

With Motor Neurone Disease, known as MND, messages from the motor neurones gradually stop reaching the muscles. This leads the muscles to weaken, stiffen and waste, which can have a devastating effect on how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. Not all symptoms will affect everyone or in the same order. Symptoms also progress at varying speeds, which makes the course of the disease difficult to predict.

“As a family, we are committed to raising awareness and funds for MND sufferers and their families who fight this disease every day,” the family said of the fundraiser.

“We are all inspired by the courage and strength of Gerry, battling this devastating condition with his ongoing positive mindset and selfless attitude. As Gerry's children - Niamh, Adrian and Claire - we speak on behalf of our family in expressing our appreciation for all previous donations made on Dad's behalf raising over €10,000 for IMNDA over the years.

“The challenge Jud and Alex are undertaking is nothing short of extraordinary and offers an opportunity to raise direct funds which will provide Dad with equipment that is not funded by the association but would improve his independence and quality of life hugely as the disease progresses.

"Those who know Dad understand his modesty and would know it would be a challenge to convince him to put this page up. However, as the disease progresses and the MND journey gets harder, we think it's time for Dad to be the recipient of a fundraiser tailored to his own needs. We appreciate all donations, no matter what the amount is. Join us in the fight against MND.”