A Ramsgate couple will tackle the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon next month despite suffering a number of setbacks when they took on the challenge last year.
Vikki Foat and husband Darron are raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
The marathon is in memory of former rugby league player and MNDA patron Rob Burrow who sadly died on 2 June 2024, four and a half years after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
In 2023 former teammate Kevin Sinfield completed an ultra marathon every day for seven days in seven cities in aid of MND and has raised millions for the charity.
Vikki, 55, was so inspired by Kevin’s dedication that she and pal Deb Castle raised money for the charity with 15,000 steps a day in January 2024.
She and Darron, 59, had also hoped to complete the marathon in Leeds but faced numerous problems.
Darron, who is a wheelchair user, became overwhelmed. His chair was not working properly and he hadn’t realised how much strapping he needed for his wrist strap for his wheelchair control. He was let down by batteries failing and an issue with the steering.
The pair were helped to the finish line by others pushing Darron’s chair.
This year they are going to attempt the marathon once again.
Vikki, who runs the Tollgate Kiosk on the East Cliff, said: “We took part last year but everything was against us despite the kindness of the crowds,
“This year we have been fortunate that the organisers are putting in place as many safeguards as they can. Competitors have agreed to aid my progress and a wheelchair firm is renting him a high-powered wheelchair and someone on route to change the batteries.
“These delays have meant that I have been unable to raise any funds so far for such an important charity, MNDA. All I can do is appeal to everyone to make a donation, no matter how small.”
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon takes place on May 11.
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive condition that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.
MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. Although there is currently no cure for MND, symptoms can be managed to help you achieve the best possible quality of life.
I hope they get some more sponsorship as they’ve only raised £30 so far – I’ll set a reminder for after payday as this is clearly a huge undertaking for a very worthy cause! Good luck both and hopefully you’ll have a better time of it this year.