Detective Sergeant Mark Cruise.

Mark Cruise is a serving police officer at Blackpool who had his world turned upside down in March 2019 when he was diagnosed with Motor Neuron disease.

Mark is 52 years old with his wife Laura and a young family. Since his diagnosis his physical condition has deteriorated and once simple tasks have now become insurmountable. Something as easy as climbing the stairs is now an impossibility and as a result it is necessary for major modifications to his house to allow for wheelchair access.

Whilst others around him panicked, Mark remained positive and determined! MND is a cruel and vicious illness. Although unpredictable with regards to the path it will take, the one guarantee given is that it is a terminal illness with about two years given as an average life expectancy. Cruiseys Journey is a FaceBook page setup to follow Mark on his journey and for those who know Cruisey know there will be some laughs along the way as MND has certainly not stolen his spirit.

Many many friends are doing all sorts of things to raise money for Mark and in my own small way I want to do the same. So I have entered an event that will probably be the hardest challenge of my life but insignificant to the ones Mark and his family face and endure every single day. I have exactly 31 weeks to get battle fit.

The "event" is a 30 mile speed march carrying a 32 lb rucksack or bergen although in reality with water, food and clothing this will be closer to 50 lbs. The event is organised and run by the Royal Marines and the speed march is the final commando test before the recruits receive their coveted green beret. Just to make it a little harder it has to be done in 8 hours over severe terrain in the Cheviot hills in the North East of England. It will take place on Saturday 12th September 2020.

If you think you would like to donate to help Mark I would be so grateful.

I know we are all suffering from charity fatigue and these things always happen to someone else. I'm sure Marks plight has brought it home to us all just how precious life is and how special our friends are. Peace x