'I'm running for motor neurone - and my family'

A Guernsey runner who lost three family members to motor neurone disease (MND) will run the London Marathon on Sunday to raise money in their memory for two charities.

Steve le Flem's uncle and two cousins died of MND - an incurable neurodegenerative condition that stops messages from the brain reaching a person's muscles.

He has raised more than £16,000 for two MND charities, including more than £10,000 for a local charity supporting people on the island with the disease.

"Everyone's got horrible stories in your life," Mr le Flem said, adding: "if you do just something little to help and support people around you who need it then why not go out there and do your best."

His uncle Ken and Ken's sons Lee and Mark Hockaday were all aged 40 or under when they passed away from MND.

Mr le Flem, who runs a local builders' merchants, said he has been "overwhelmed" by the support from islanders.

"The charity do an incredible job and losing three members of my family and having friends effected by MND has brought me all too close to the incredibly cruel nature of Motor Neurone Disease", he said.

"It's heartbreaking watching those you love losing their mobility and quality of life."

Mr le Flem said he had run half marathons and other middle distance races with a local athletics club, but Sunday's race would be his first marathon.

"Being in London is just going to be unbelievable," he said.

After the race, Mr le Flem said he plans to have a "nice steak and a beer" with his best friend, who is also running the marathon.

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