Husband transforms into mermaid for MND charity

Tom Falla aims to raise £10,000 for Guernsey Motor Neurone

Four friends are swapping their running shorts for mermaid tails as they take on a themed marathon to raise money for the Guernsey Motor Neurone charity.

Tom Falla, whose wife Daisy was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2020, and his friends Dominic Heaume, Adam Dorey and James Draper are taking part in the Marathon du Médoc.

The challenge, which takes place in France on 6 September, takes runners on a 26.2-mile (42.16km) route through scenic vineyards, with 23 wine tasting stops, oyster tasting at the 38km mark, and steak at the 39km mark.

Mr Falla aims to raise £10,000 for the charity because it supported him and his wife.

"They're a brilliant charity... any form of support you could imaging they are there, they are ready to help and willing to help, they are amazing," he said.

"I wanted to do something to mark my birthday, I'll be 42 this year... I was thinking about it and at my birthday party I stood up and told everyone I was going to do it and that was that."

Mr Falla explained every year there was a different theme and this year's was Under the Sea.

"As Daisy heard about it she said 'you've got to go with Ariel', so that was it," he said.

"I said I'd better check with the boys first and they were all great sports and they said 'if that's what Daisy wants, that's what's happening', so the four of us are dressing up as mermaids and doing it."

Mr Falla added: "Three of the boys came through and said 'yes I'll do that with you mate'... I'm so thankful for their support.

"I think any marathon, whether it's got alcohol involved or not, a lot of people say the event gets you through and I'm sure this will be just a load of fun on the day."

He said he was more worried about the food than the alcohol.

"I do love food and drink but running around and eating oysters and steak and cheese I'm not sure," he said.

"I'll be thinking about my wife when I cross the finish line... and then I'll be really proud of all the money that we've raised and be proud of finishing the distance."