A DEDICATED uncle ran from Yate to Leeds to raise funds and awareness after his nephew died at the age of just aged 41

Andy May ran from his home in Brimsham to Leeds in a week before taking part in a marathon in the city.

He was inspired by the challenge by his nephew Ben Geeson, who died in April 2021.

Ben was diagnosed with MND - a condition which affects the brain and nerves - in 2017, and Andy wants to dedicate his running to help Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

Running on average 32 miles a day, Andy went from Yate to Gloucester through Worcestershire, Birmingham and Sheffield before arriving in Leeds in time to take part in the Rob Burrow marathon on May 15.

He said: "The seven days were very tough but in their own way enjoyable.

"My left knee gave me some problems but with some professional advice, tape and anti inflammatories it held up.

"I arrived at Headingley Stadium in Leeds on the Saturday afternoon and was met by my fantastic support crew of Julie Higgs, Jim Ovens and Stella Fenton who I couldn't have completed the challenge without.

"The Rob Burrow marathon the next day was wonderful.

"The atmosphere from both spectators and runners was the best I've ever known.

"I was very happy to complete it in four hours and 16 minutes.

"A very emotional moment for me was running alongside Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow up a long hill.

"The finish into Headingley Stadium was a perfect end to a gruelling but fantastic week."

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

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

Kevin Sinfield carried Rob Burrow over the finish line at the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon after pushing his great friend and former Leeds Rhinos team-mate for 26.2 miles.

With just a couple of metres left to go, Sinfield lifted Burrow out of his specially adapted wheelchair and the pair completed the course together in an emotional conclusion at Headingley Stadium.

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