Up to 60,000 runners will tackle the biggest ever AJ Bell Great North Run on 10 September
Runner is part of the #TeamMDUK squad going the distance for Muscular Dystrophy UK
Raising vital funds to support life-changing research every step of the way
Katherine Sugar, 33, from Reading, who now lives in the North East, will be one of up to 60,000 people taking on the iconic 13.1 miles on Sunday 10 September.
Katherine will be running from Newcastle to the coast of South Shields, all in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK). She is hoping to raise a fantastic £350 for the charity, which helps fund research into treatments for rare, life-limiting muscle-wasting and weakening conditions and supports the 110,000 children and adults across the UK affected by these conditions.
Having been diagnosed with generalised Myasthenia gravis, a rare, chronic, autoimmune condition that causes muscle weakness and excessive muscle fatigue, in 2016, raising awareness and funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK is hugely important to Katherine. She explained, “Muscular Dystrophy UK covers a wide range of conditions, including myasthenia gravis, and I hope that by taking on this challenge I will not only raise awareness about these conditions, but also generate funds to support much-needed research into new treatments and ultimately a cure.”
Living with Myasthenia gravis has had a huge impact on Katherine’s life, both physically and mentally. She suffers from chronic fatigue, muscular aches, and double vision, and has found it hard to adjust to managing the condition and being less active.
Katherine is looking forward to running the Great North Run course, soaking up the fun and lively atmosphere, being part of the Muscular Dystrophy UK community, and crossing the finish line. She said: “For the first time since 2016, I am feeling physically strong enough to take part in a half marathon. I’ve had to pull out of other events in the last few years when my body simply wasn't able to do it and my condition was flaring up.”
She added, “My biggest fear is experiencing a relapse and not being able to complete the course. But with time and careful training, I am hoping this won't be the case. I am the healthiest I have been since my diagnosis and my training is going slowly but surely, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed and I’m determined to get across the finish line!”
To support Katherine, you can head to her online fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Katherine-Sugar1
Aaron Fernandes, Challenge Events Officer at Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “The Great North Run is a huge event in the calendar, the route and the hair-raising atmosphere on the day make it a truly special occasion – and an exceptional achievement and experience for all who cross that finish line.
“We are grateful to Katherine for choosing to raise funds and awareness on behalf of Muscular Dystrophy UK, which will help us continue supporting and improving the lives of thousands of families living with rare muscle-wasting conditions.
“We wish Katherine and all our other Great North Run participants the very best of luck with this challenge – and we’ll be supporting every step of the way.”
Interested in taking on a challenge for Muscular Dystrophy UK why not sign up today? For more information or to help support our work, visit musculardystrophyuk.org or call our free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (open Mon-Thurs 10am-2pm).