I’M Running for Dad … And the Group Who Helped Him

By MIKE MORGAN

TEESSIDE GP Alex Barlow is preparing to run the London Marathon in memory of his late father Paul, who died from motor neurone disease.

Dr Barlow, 39, of Whinchat Tail, Guisborough, works at Stockton’s Alma Medical Centre.

He is currently training hard for the Flora London event which draws thousands of runners from all over the world.

All of his sponsorship raised, which he hopes will be around pounds 2,000, will be donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Dr Barlow said: “My father developed MND at the age of 59.

“At first, he was struggling when walking and had to give up golf, which he loved, as it was too tiring.

“He had to take voluntary early retirement, but within months was diagnosed with MND.

“Sadly he deteriorated physically over the next nine months and progressively lost the ability to walk, feed himself and breathe. He died shortly after his 60th birthday.

“The MND Association were terrific.

They sent him information when he got his diagnosis and provided him with financial and practical support throughout his illness.

“In my experience, having the awareness to act quickly in these circumstances was due to the experience of the MND association, which was invaluable.

“As a GP, I may look after only one person with MND in my whole career, so you really do need organisations like the association to support patients, family, doctors and nurses.”

Anyone wanting to sponsor Dr Barlow can visit his website on www.justgiving.com/alexbarlow

(c) 2008 Evening Gazette – Middlesbrough. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.