City to host 10k run and family fun day for MND

A 10k run and family fun day is taking place in Hull to raise money and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Craig Eskrett's Run for MND was the idea of the avid Hull Kingston Rovers fan, who has been living with the disease since September 2023.

The event, taking place in the city's East Park on 12 July, is being supported by the rugby league club, Hull City Council and the MND Association.

Eskrett said: "I was thinking about new challenges to support those with MND and a run in Hull. It's been special to know we are being supported with this."

Speaking to Kofi Smiles on BBC Radio Humberside, Eskrett said he had taken inspiration from Kevin Sinfield.

The former Leeds Rhinos player, who Eskrett described as "incredible", has undertaken a series of fundraising efforts in memory of his late friend Rob Burrow.

One of Sinfield's challenges brought him to Hull, where he praised the reception, and Eskrett said he was hoping to build on that by making the 10k an annual event.

He has been working with the Robins to raise awareness of MND and was welcomed by the players on to the Hull City Hall balcony as part of the victory parade celebrations following the Challenge Cup win.

Eskrett also walked out with the World Club Challenge Cup match ball at the MKM Stadium ahead of the clash with Brisbane Broncos.

A number of fundraising events have already taken place, with friend Liam Foster completing a marathon challenge, while Mike Humphreys took on 30 marathons in 30 days across Europe.

Humphreys is currently running the length of South America.

Eskrett said of the support: "It's massive. They have really helped me focus on trying to beat MND."

His wife, Ilesha, added: "It keeps us positive and motivated. Doing things like the run gets everybody else involved and puts the focus out there. It keeps that momentum going.

"There will also be a family fun day so that people who are not running can bring their families.

"There will be stalls, music and the foundations from Hull KR and Hull FC will be doing activities so that we get everyone involved, young and old."

The run will get under way at 10:00 BST.

To sign up for the run, visit craigsrunformnd.eventbrite.com and donations can also be made to the event's JustGiving page.

Money raised will be going to the Hull and East Yorkshire group of the MND Association and also to research.

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices