Doctor with MND challenges nation to sign up for Doddie Aid 2025 and complete a parkrun
06 January 2025
A doctor diagnosed with motor neuron disease at just 34 is calling on the nation to pull on their trainers and complete a parkrun to help raise vital funds for MND research.
Luke Hames Brown has been living with MND for almost three years, and raised more than £50,000 for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and the MND Association by walking the length of Hadrian’s Wall in summer 2024.
He is now challenging the nation to kick off 2025 in style by signing up for Doddie Aid 2025 – the annual mass participation fundraising event run by My Name’5 Doddie Foundation – and rack up some miles over the course of their local parkrun.
The retired GP, an avid fitness and outdoors enthusiast prior to MND, is a supporter of parkrun, which are weekly 5k fitness events that take place across the UK every Saturday morning. Prior to his MND diagnosis, Luke would aim for competitive times in the low 20 minutes but has had to reassess his expectations.
Luke, who lives outside Oxford, said: “I used to try and beat 24 minutes, then after MND, it was about finishing, then it was how far I can go. Now, due to the progression of my illness, I usually volunteer to help run the event. It’s such an amazing community, full of very supportive people, and it’s special to be involved in any way possible.
“I’d love to complete the distance again – even just walking – but it might be too exhausting. By volunteering, you can always play a part, even if it’s not running. The beauty of parkrun is that anybody can take part – walking or running – and some parkruns are wheelchair-accessible too.”
He added: “I’ll cross the start line and walk the first section. It’s a way to show that everyone can – and should – get involved, no matter their ability.”
At the start of December, Luke joined former rugby league star and MND fundraiser Kevin Sinfield as he ran this year’s seven marathons in seven days challenge – which took on added significance following the death of his best friend Rob Burrow from MND. Luke said the experience was a sign of the support he and others living with MND have from fundraisers.
He said: “Kevin is putting himself out there, not for recognition but because he knows he can make a difference. Anybody can do something to make a difference.
“Seeing him so moved was incredibly touching and showed how impactful MND is. It’s not just about those living with it – it’s about all those affected. Kevin spoke about losing his best friend, and the raw emotion in that moment reminded us all of the far-reaching impact of this disease.”
Reflecting on his own condition, Luke said, “It’s slowly progressing. I feel fortunate that it’s relatively slow. I still have my speech and swallowing, but I’ve lost dexterity and strength. I can still do a lot, but I have to adapt and prioritise my activities carefully.”
He added: “Doddie Aid is a fantastic opportunity to support a cause that’s close to so many hearts. By joining and donating, you’re making a tangible difference in the fight against MND. Whether you run, walk, or volunteer, it’s about taking that first step.
“I know that getting involved with Doddie Aid and support for MND research might be planting trees in a garden that I never get to see personally, but if there’s any chance that my contribution can make a difference, I’m going to take it. Even if this doesn’t happen in time for me, I don’t want other people in the future to have to go through the same experience.”
Now in its fifth year, Doddie Aid 2025 promises to be the biggest yet. Each home Union – England, Ireland, Wales, and Doddie’s native Scotland – is led by two celebrity star captains. Ally McCoist and Lorraine Kelly are leading Scotland, Anton Du Beke and Gabby Logan are flying the flag for England, while Sam Warburton and Laura-Jane Jones are leading in Wales, and Jimmy Nesbitt and Edel McMahon in Northern Ireland.
MND is a disease which affects the motor neurons of the nervous system. It damages and attacks the nerves, meaning that messages being sent from the brain to the muscles no longer work. It is life-shortening and mostly progresses rapidly. Approximately 1,100 people are diagnosed with MND every year in the UK. Up to 5,000 adults in the UK are affected at any one time.
Click here to sign up for Doddie Aid 2025 or visit doddieaid.com
