A FATHER will complete a half marathon to fundraise for his late son and others affected by a neurological disease.

Andrew Greaves, from Ingoe near Matfen, will run the Leeds Half Marathon in memory of his son David and for Rob Burrow and the Motor Neurone Disease Association on May 14.

Motor Neurone Disease progressively worsens over time, affecting the brain and nerves and there is no cure.

David was diagnosed with the disease after his 30th birthday in 2015.

Rob, a former English professional rugby league player, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2019.

Andrew said he was inspired to take part in the Leeds Half Marathon by the courage, strength and mutual support displayed by Rob and his family, in circumstances Andrew and his family know well.

David, an ultra-runner and Iron Man triathlete, also completed a collection of children's stories in verse while living with Motor Neurone Disease.

He died in 2016, aged 31, from the disease. 

Andrew is also completing the Leeds Half Marathon for David's partner Philippa, who founded #Team 2Fingers2MND in December 2015 with David on their climb of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. 

Philippa and David raised more than £12,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. 

Andrew said: "David's kindness and generosity of spirit and his love of travel and adventure led him to make friends around the world with people from all walks of life."

Philippa and David's family have pledged to honour him by eventually publishing all of his completed children's stories.

As the disease resulted in David losing the ability to use his hands, and then speak, he finished his collection of children's stories using revolutionary computer software that allowed him to communicate by tracking and translating into readable text through the movement of his eyes.

A collection of nine more unpublished tales will launch in May next year, to coincide with what would have been David's thirty-ninth birthday. 

David's Motor Neurone Disease Association Tribute Fund is nearly at £107,000, due to fundraising by friends, family and #Team 2Fingers2MND members.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association focuses on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those living with or affected by the disease in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

To donate, go to https://justgiving.com/fundraising/team2fingers2mnd.