As the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon approaches, thousands of runners are gearing up to participate in this significant event, which will take place on May 11, 2025. Among them is Andy Vaughton, a 47-year-old former doctor from Poole in Dorset, who is determined to prove that living well with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is possible. Diagnosed with MND in 2021, Vaughton is not only running the marathon but also raising funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, a charity founded by Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir, who also battled MND before his passing in 2022.
The marathon, named in honor of Rob Burrow, a former Leeds Rhinos star who died from MND in June 2024, is expected to draw more than 10,000 participants. The event aims to raise awareness and funds for MND research, with the inaugural marathon held in 2023 serving as a tribute to Burrow's campaign to support those living with the disease.
Vaughton’s journey with MND began long before his diagnosis. He first noticed symptoms in 2010, experiencing muscle twitches that he initially attributed to nerve damage following a skiing accident in 2016. After undergoing surgery in 2020, he received the life-altering diagnosis of MND in 2021. “My medical background meant I knew exactly what I was facing. It was utterly devastating – your whole life collapses in on itself,” Vaughton recalled. Despite the grim prognosis, with an average life expectancy of just two to three years after diagnosis, Vaughton has surpassed expectations and is now in his fourth year since diagnosis.
Vaughton’s commitment to the marathon reflects his desire to inspire others facing similar challenges. “This is about showing that it’s still possible to do something meaningful with the time you have,” he stated. He has already raised £25,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and aims to contribute even more through his marathon efforts. Previously, he raised nearly £135,000 by participating in the world’s longest continuous beach rugby match, which lasted 34 hours.
His wife, Susie, who left her career as a GP to support her husband and their three sons, Charlie (15), Sam (13), and Jack (12), has been a pillar of support throughout this journey. “We’ve had to accept a very different life to the one we planned,” she said. “But Andy’s approach has been extraordinary. Even on the hardest days, he reminds me we’re still here. We still have each other.”
The marathon will start and finish at Headingley Stadium, following a scenic route that includes Woodhouse Moor, Adel, Lawnswood, Bramhope, Pool in Wharfedale, and Otley. The event will kick off at 09:00 BST, with the half marathon starting at 10:00 BST. Participants can expect water and energy stations along the route, as well as first aid checks and cheer points set up to support them.
Leeds City Council has implemented temporary road closures to accommodate the marathon, with certain roads closing as early as 04:00 BST on the day of the event. Deputy council leader Jonathan Pryor assured residents that the council is working hard to minimize disruptions. “We will be doing everything we can to minimize the impact of these measures, and thank residents in advance for their patience and understanding,” he said.
As the day approaches, the weather forecast for Leeds on marathon day predicts sunny conditions, with temperatures peaking at around 21C (70F). Siobhan Curtis from Jane Tomlinson's Run For All, the marathon's organizers, emphasized the importance of staying safe in the heat: “Listen to your body, dress appropriately in light colors – consider wearing a hat. We want to see people cross the finish line together safe and well.”
Vaughton acknowledges that the marathon will present challenges, both physically and emotionally. “There will be dark moments during the run — I know that. But I also know I’ll have people beside me. This is about more than finishing, it’s about making memories and showing others what’s possible,” he said. He remains realistic about his condition, understanding that his time to participate in such events may be limited. “I have friends who’ve since passed away who weren’t fortunate enough to get this time, so I have to make the most of it.”
Through his efforts, Vaughton hopes to raise awareness about MND and the urgent need for research to find effective treatments. “There are no effective treatments. The drugs don’t do much. That’s why research is vital,” he said. “We need real progress, real hope. Hopefully for me – although I’m realistic – but definitely for those who come next.”
For those wishing to support Vaughton’s marathon efforts and contribute to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, donations can be made at justgiving.com/page/andy-vaughton-10. The charity’s work continues to be crucial in the fight against MND, aiming to provide support for those affected by the disease and to fund research that could lead to breakthroughs in treatment.
As the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon approaches, it stands as a testament to resilience, community support, and the ongoing fight against MND. With participants like Andy Vaughton leading the charge, the event promises to not only honor the memories of those who have suffered from the disease but also inspire hope for a future where effective treatments may finally be within reach.
