news
January 2008
Martin runs tough New York Marathon for
his Brother
Martin Rowe, from Aldershot, recently undertook to run the
gruelling New York Marathon to raise funds for two of his
favourite charities. The main spur to his undertaking such a
major effort was the fact that his younger brother, Colin, had
recently been diagnosed with motor neurone disease at the young
age of 41 years, and this was already affecting both his arms
and his legs. Consequently Martin selected the North East Hants
Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND
Association) to be the main financial beneficiary. This is part
of the national organisation, which was formed in 1979 and is
dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by MND – now
and in the future. Little is known of what causes this cruel
disease, and so much work is needed to understand it better.
Currently a major fund-raising effort is being made nationally
to raise £7.5 million to match the amount committed by the
government, earmarked for research into the causes of and
effective treatments for MND. This debilitating disease attacks
the nerves in the brain and spinal chord, resulting in the
wasting of muscles, causing a loss of mobility and difficulties
with speech, swallowing and breathing.
Martin’s second selected charity was the local Rushmoor Mallards
Disability Sports Club, with which he has long been closely
associated, including a period as its Chairman. This club,
based at the Leisure Centre Farnborough, offers a wide range of
sports for people with any impairment and of any age, together
with their friends and family. Its main catchment area is North
East Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire, and it has had a great
history of competitive success since its inception in 1974.
Sports are conducted at all levels, from beginners upwards, and
range from swimming to bowls, from athletics to wheelchair
basketball, to table tennis, trampolining, cricket, football,
boccia and others.
This
was Martin’s second full marathon, having successfully completed
the London Marathon in 2000. In New York, however, Martin hit
major difficulties during the race when he experienced tendon
problems, which resulted in his having to stop to have his leg
strapped up to enable him to struggle through to the end, which
he managed, although in considerable pain. His highly
creditable efforts resulted in a total of £1700 being raised, of
which £1000 was donated to the MND Association and £700 to the
Rushmoor Mallards. The photo shows Martin (standing) presenting
the two cheques in a joint presentation to Coral Smith (left),
Chairman of the NE Hampshire Branch of the MND Association, and
to Rose Bridle, Chairman of the Rushmoor Mallards, accompanied
by Peter Hull MBE (in wheelchair), a Vice President of the
Rushmoor Mallards.
Further details of the Rushmoor Mallards can be found on
their website at
www.rushmoormallards.org.uk
