Virtual Marathon for South Herts Branch - December 2020

Hertfordshire Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Assoc

Virtual Marathon for South Herts Branch - December 2020

A project by Hertfordshire Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Assoc

Virtual Marathon for South Herts Branch - December 2020

JJK Fitness in Kings Langley are delighted to be holding a virtual Marathon on 19th December in support of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, South Herts Branch to raise funds for people affected by this awful disease and particularly David Davies who is a member of the gym and the South Herts branch. Joe Kelly, the Managing Director of the gym continues to work with on a regular basis to maintain his strength and physical fitness while fighting this disease.

Background information on those involved:

David’s story
From the moment Kim & I walked through the door of JJK, within days of the opening in April 2016, Joe’s drive and enthusiasm were obvious and immediately infectious. I have always been sporty and relatively fit (or so I thought) and can honestly say that over the next four years of JJK training, classes and events I became fitter than ever.
During 2019 I knew I wasn’t right but my diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in January this year was a huge shock and this awful illness continues to impact my daily life. I am so grateful to Joe and the JJK family for the way they have embraced it as yet another challenge and helped and encouraged me to stay as strong as I can both physically and mentally; all at a time when Joe has been steering the gym through massive unforeseen change, simply amazing.

JJK Fitness
JJK Fitness is an independent gym in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. The gym has gone from strength to strength since it’s inception over 4 years ago and continues to thrive under the leadership of Joe Kelly. Over the years, Joe and his team have helped hundreds of people achieve their health and fitness goals and in doing so, have been touched by the experiences and the personal challenges encountered by many of their clients.

Fundraising events have been an integral part of the JJK calendar for the last few years. Despite lockdown and a huge gym refurbishment, JJK have managed to run 3 big events generating over £14k for charity this year alone.

The birth of "JJK Giving Back" is a statement of intent. For as long as JJK Fitness exists, we pledge to keep raising money for charities close to our hearts. David’s diagnosis has hit the JJK family hard. David is an inspiration to everyone - we have no doubt that he will keep fighting and the JJK team will be by his side in every way possible.

Motor Neurone Disease
• MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord
• It can leave people locked in a failing body unable to move, talk and eventually breathe
• Six people are diagnosed with MND every day in the UK
• MND kills a third of people within a year and more than half within two years of diagnosis
• It has no cure

MND Association - South Herts Branch
• Arrange monthly Get Togethers and Carers Meetings (via Zoom currently) for all those affected by this disease to come together socially to get advice, learn from each other and socialise.
• Provide equipment on a timely basis for PwMND
• Arrange fundraising events to be able to support PwMND
• Raise awareness of the disease in the South Herts area through social media and direct contact.
• Support people on a 1:1 basis, if desired, through Association Visitors who are volunteers trained by National Office to support in this way.

What your gift could provide

£25

Taxi for hospital appointments

£100

Special software for computers

£200

Towards equipment needed urgently

Volunteers needed

We would like to have more volunteers/committee members. They do not have to have particular skills - just commitment, enthusiasm and a little time to help us raise awareness of this awful disease and to fundraise.

Charity Information

Hertfordshire Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Assoc

Established in: 1993

Registered charity no.: 294354