MND charity founder Alex Gibson and patron Andy Long push each other across two continents

Founder of Challenging MND,  Alex Gibson, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) back in 2018 at the age of 39. Fast-forward to April 2026, and he’ll be taking on his 20th challenge – a 24-hour circuit –  to fundraise alongside charity patron and long-time friend Andy Long’s Marathon des Sables challenge. 

Both a former England rugby union international and Challenging MND patron, Andy has long supported and taken part in the charity’s fundraising challenges, but is set to embark on his toughest yet to raise £70,000. 

Having first met during one of Alex’s talks with Andy’s squad, which he was coaching at the time, Andy recalls the profound impact Alex had on not only his players but also on himself during a difficult time.

Alex has now an enhanced voice technology which you’ll be able to hear in the interview he has done with Daytime presenter Aston Avery.

Here’s Aston’s interview with Alex Gibson, founder of Challenging MND.