On 21 September, Nathan Franklin and his friend Tom Grassby ran 53 miles – the equivalent of two marathons – from Leeds to Hull. Inspired by Nathan’s younger brother Jack who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, they raised over £7,000 and completed the run in 12 hours 5 minutes. Nathan tells us about the challenge.
Running 53 miles in support of my brother
I’ve run the London Marathon for Muscular Dystrophy UK before as well as a half marathon in Madrid with some mates and a marathon in Seville. But following those, and seeing what Kevin Sinfield did for MND, I was really inspired to do something bigger with the goal to raise more money for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Fundraising for the charity and increasing awareness of muscle wasting and weakening conditions is important to me as my younger brother Jack lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Now 28, he was diagnosed 25 years ago, aged three.
Jack is great to spend time with – funny and very strong willed but doesn’t take himself too seriously. Thanks to having 24-hour care, he’s been able to move into his own place and studied at Leeds Beckett University.
He loves playing computer games and watching films as well as going to sports events. In fact, he missed coming along on the day of our challenge to support us as he got a better offer of tickets to see Anthony Joshua! But I knew he was there with us in spirit.
” I wanted to do this for him but also everyone else living with a muscle wasting condition so that they can get the support they need.”
Running from Leeds to Hull was my idea and then my friends Tom Grassby and Josh Harland agreed to join me. Unfortunately, Josh was unwell and unable to run on the day, so it was down to Tom and I to complete the challenge.
I wasn’t sure I could match Kevin Sinfield’s 7 in 7 marathon challenge! So, the first idea was to run three marathons in three days. But then the idea came to run from Leeds – where I live now – to Hull, which is mine and Tom’s home city, and where my brother and parents still live. It seemed like a tough challenge, but something that was achievable and meant something.
It was great to be able to train and do the challenge with Tom and Josh, and it really meant a lot that they joined me. We all met at university in Newcastle and lived together during our time there. We remain close friends and now all live in Leeds. It was unfortunate that Josh was ill for the run but he’s planning to do the distance in the coming weeks, and I know we’ll all look back on the experience fondly.
We were supported by friends and family along the way and completed the 53-mile run from Leeds to Hull in 12 hours 5 minutes. There were a few points when we were struggling. But we had a laugh and pretty much stuck to the pace we planned. We couldn’t have done it without the help and support of our wives and friends and family. They were incredible.
Support Nathan and his friends’ Leeds to Hull run
By supporting their efforts, you’ll be contributing to crucial research and support services for individuals living with muscle wasting conditions.
Inspired by Nathan’s story?
Find out how you can get involved and change the future of muscle wasting conditions.
