Man with MND running marathon to inspire others

Andy Vaughton is running Sunday's Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon

A former doctor with motor neurone disease (MND) is preparing to run a marathon as a way of "showing others what's possible".

Andy Vaughton, from Poole in Dorset, was diagnosed with the condition in 2021.

The 47-year-old is taking part in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon - organised in memory of the rugby league footballer - on Sunday, and will be using slings to support his weakened arms.

He is fundraising for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, which was created by former Scottish rugby icon Doddie Weir and supports MND research and those affected by the condition.

"This is about showing that it's still possible to do something meaningful with the time you have," Mr Vaughton said.

"This is about more than finishing, it's about making memories and showing others what's possible."

He said he knew there would be "dark moments" during the 26.2 mile (42km) run, but also knew he would have "people beside me".

Mr Vaughton and his wife Susie live in Poole, in Dorset

The former anaesthetist was diagnosed with the condition during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"It was utterly devastating – your whole life collapses in on itself," he explained.

"It affects everything – family, friends, work, the future you thought you had."

Shortly after, the father-of-three received a call from British and Irish Lions legend Weir - who himself was living with MND.

Mr Vaughton said the call was "life-changing".

"Even though his voice was failing, he made time to talk. He told me to live in the moment, to stay positive. That call meant everything to me."

Scottish rugby great Doddie Weir died of MND in 2022

Weir died from MND in 2022 but has lived on through his foundation - which Mr Vaughton's marathon has already raised more than £25,000 for.

"My life crumbled around me, but I'm determined to live well for as long as possible," he said.

"I have friends who've since passed away who weren't fortunate enough to get this time, so I have to make the most of it."

There is no cure for MND, which affects about 5,000 adults in the UK, and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is two to three years, according to the MND Association.