Why this Leeds Rhinos fan is on the run for MND charity in memory of best friend's mum

Andrew Richardson will run from his hometown in Horsforth to the Yorkshire Three Peaks and back again to raise cash for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The 30-year-old was inspired to take on the challenge after his best friend’s mum passed away from the condition late last year.

After seeing how rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield has continued the legacy of teammate Rob Burrow, who died from the cruel disease in 2024, Andrew wanted to do what he could to support his friend Will.

He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “I’ve been a Leeds Rhino season ticket holder for I think 20 years.

“I watched Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield as I grew up playing on the pitch. After their playing career, I thought I couldn’t have any more respect for them and then they proved me very wrong.

“Kevin Sinfield has always said that he’s just running for his mate and I like to think I am just running for my mate Will in the same way.”

The ultramarathon will begin in Horsforth on April 11, the same date that the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon was launched four years ago.

Andrew will then run through Guiseley, Ilkley and Skipton, before running to the top of each of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, and running back to Horsforth again. The total distance will take an estimated 30 hours to complete.

While training, Andrew’s biggest motivation is remembering the cause that he is running for.

Andrew said: “Every time I don’t want to do something like I don’t want to go on a run, I think people with MND don’t get a chance to stop. They can’t take a rest from their condition, they wake up and they have to live it.

“I’m very lucky that I can put myself in a position of pain and have the option to get out of it. I can manage being in pain for 30 hours, I just can’t imagine what it would be like doing it day in, day out.”

Andrew is unafraid of a challenge, and last year even raised more than £4,000 for the MNDA by running 100km across all 33 wards in Leeds.

His goal was to help support the Motor Neurone Disease Association fulfil their aim of improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by MND.

The 108 mile run will be a mental challenge as well as a physical one and that’s why Andrew has planned for friends to join him along his route.

Andrew said: “People are the best endurance tactic you can possibly have.

“The people around me are incredible people and my wonderful friends will join me for various different stints, cycling next to me, running with me, or even shouting from the side of the road.”

The moment Andrew is looking forward to the most is completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks himself alongside his best friend Will who has motivated him to take on the challenge.

Andrew said: “We’re going to finish it at about one in the morning and it’ll be pitch black.

“I’m looking forward to it because it’ll be a great moment. I’ll probably end up crying my eyes out.”

To support Andrew’s challenge for the MNDA, donate to his JustGiving page.