Lowton man Damien Hardy had his Grandad spurring him on as he completed the Manchester Marathon on Sunday (27 April 2025), to raise money for a special cause.
Damien signed up to run the 26.2 mile marathon in support of The Motor Neurone Disease Association, after his beloved grandad Jim Lawlor was diagnosed with the condition. He described the marathon – which took place in temperatures around 20° as “pure hell” at times, but said raising money for such an important cause, on behalf of his grandad “made every single step worthwhile”.
In fact, Damien’s incredible effort has seen him raise more than £2,000 – with donations still welcome for this brilliant cause.
Damien’s grandad Jim received the devastating news that he has Motor Neurone Disease around three years ago. A former prison governor at Risley, Jim has been married to his wife Rita for 64 years – 50 of those spent living in Lowton. The couple celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary in 2021. As expected, his condition has worsened over time and Jim now uses an ipad to communicate with his family.
Jim’s family say he is the real head of the family – a kind and strong father/grandfather and great grandfather, and someone they all look up to, whose guiding influence on their lives cannot be underestimated.
He retired 30 years ago, and was recognised for his charitable work with the Butler Trust, an organisation that helps rehabilitate prisoners, with an invitation to Buckingham Palace to meet with Princess Anne.
Throughout his illness, he has continued to amaze and inspire those close to him with a cheerful and positive attitude every single day. He is also a huge Liverpool FC fan and continues to enjoy watching football and rugby, a sport he played when he was younger.
Damien and his grandad, Jim.
For Jim’s family, including devoted wife Rita, who has coped so bravely over the past three years, watching the disease progress remains devastating and a daily struggle.
Motor mechanic Damien, 39, has always had a really close relationship with his Grandad. And whilst a diagnosis like this can make loved ones feel helpless, Damien took inspiration from his Grandad and decided to do something positive.
The former Lowton High School pupil, said: “I’ve watched this disease take hold of one of the biggest influences in my life – my grandad. I’ll never forget the amazing times he’s given me in my life and the memories I have will last me a lifetime.
“Despite fighting MND every day he still wakes up daily with a smile on his face.
And after completing the marathon, Damien said: “It was 26 miles pure of hell, especially in the heat. But the last 0.2 made it worth it. People shouting at the finish and cheering along the whole route is something I’ll never forget and what many won’t experience.
“Seeing Gemma and the kids with Mum and Steve was so emotional. I just wish nan and grandad could have been there. But I ran that for them.
“I’m feeling a little stiff today but nothing too bad.
“Raising £2080 for the MND Association on behalf of my grandad made every single step worthwhile.”
Jim received a surprise visit from some Leigh Leopards players with the Challenge Cup trophy last year.
Damien set out with a modest target to raise £500 – he’s already smashed that but if you would like to make a donation, every penny counts. His Just Giving Page can be found here.
Please help this vital cause and give hope to people with an MND diagnosis in the future.