A YATE runner is taking on a special challenge in memory of his nephew, who died in 2021 after a four year battle with Motor neurone disease. 

Andy May will be running from his home in Brimsham, Yate, to Leeds over a week to raise funds and awareness after his nephew, aged 41, died in April 2021. 

When his nephew Ben Geeson was diagnosed with MND - a rare condition which affects the brain and nerves -  in 2017, Andy decided to dedicate his running to raise funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

Running on average 32 miles a day, Andy will go from Yate to Gloucester through Worcestershire, Birmingham and Sheffield before arriving in Leeds in time to take part in the Rob Burrow marathon, along with 10,000 other participants, on May 15. 

Burrow, a former Leeds Rhinos player, was diagnosed with MND last year. 

He was awarded in MBE in the 2021 New Years Honours List after raising awareness of the disease following his diagnosis.

Andy - who has been running for over two decades - has raised thousands for MNDA.  

Last year the 57-year-old ran the South Downs Way 100 mile race, raising £3000. 

"When Ben was diagnosed it really hit home," said Andy. 

"Until you know someone who suffers with MND you don't realise how brutal it is. 

"Ben had such a wicked sense of humour. 

"He lived life to the full. 

"Even when he was diagnosed he tried to stay as positive as he could."

In September 2020, seven months before he died, Ben's daughter Isabella started full-time school. 

"He did everything for her," said Andy. 

"Ben was just a terrific bloke.

"He would do anything for you.

"If you spent any time with him he would make you would feel better."

With just four months to go before the run, Andy has started training more regularly. 

By night, he works for Hobbs House Bakery as a delivery driver. 

He starts shifts at three in the morning, finishing at 9 or 10am, leaving him free to train in the afternoons. 

Andy is soon planning to start running for eight days consecutively to 'train the body up'. 

He also goes to the gym from time to time to work on different muscles. 

As part of his training regime, Andy also has to take care of himself and watch what food he eats. 

"It does seem that my life at the moment is work, eat, run, sleep and nothing else," he said. 

"But that's all good if we can raise awareness and funds for MNDA.

"This cause is so important to me.

"The support I've received motivates me to train harder every day." 

To donate visit - bit.ly/3jSaUuT