Man with MND to tackle half marathon in powerchair

A man who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) is to take part in the Leeds Half Marathon in his powerchair to raise money for research into the condition.

The event takes place alongside the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, which was launched in honour of the rugby league legend who died last June aged 41 after being diagnosed with MND.

Ken Blackburn, from York, said he was looking forward to participating in the race and although his powerchair can reach speeds of up to 8mph (12kmh), he would be taking it at a much steadier pace during the event on Sunday.

"I'm looking forward to entering the stadium at the end and crossing the finish line with my wife, Kay," he said.

Mr Blackburn's wife and son plan to run the event with him after the MND Association - a partner charity for the marathon - helped him apply for a place to participate in his powerchair.

"I'm really looking forward to taking part. As a runner in my previous life, I miss the atmosphere when you take part in an event," he said.

The former banker turned taxi driver was diagnosed with MND in 2020, although he said he had been experiencing symptoms of the condition for nearly a decade before.

He has primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) - a rarer, slower progressing form of the condition - and now uses his all-terrain wheelchair to get around outside.

After supporting his family at previous running events, including the 2023 and 2024 Leeds Half Marathon, Mr Blackburn wanted to be directly involved.

Mr Blackburn said: "I wanted to get the full experience and at the same time support my wife Kay, in a more meaningful way.

"Unfortunately our daughter Jade has had to withdraw due to a knee injury, but she's flying in from Belfast to lend her support."

He said he had joined his wife on a training run to test his chair's battery life, which he estimates can last for about 20 miles (32km).

His plan for the day is to keep his wife company while his son forges ahead, so he will not be going "flat out" and will let Mrs Blackburn set the pace.

The family are raising money for the MND Association and are currently just over halfway to their £1,000 target.

Mr Blackburn also fundraises for the organisation through his photography.

For the past three years he has produced a calendar of his own images, which has helped to raise £2,500.

He described his photography as his way of "giving something back", especially to the charity's York branch support group, which he regularly attends.

"I have always had a passion for landscape and wildlife photography. It also gives me the opportunity to get out in nature, which is essential for good mental health," he said.

Looking ahead to Sunday's event, Mr Blackburn said: "It feels very special to be taking part with my family.

"They have always shown me their love and support, throughout my journey with MND, so it will be great to support them too."

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