A MAN from Llanberis is to run 103km continuously next May in support of the charity which has helped his friend since he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

David Cattell, 32, will be taking part in the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia event in Eryri on May 17, 2025 to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

The race is expected to involve between 23 and 26 hours of continuous running, and 6,400m (21,000 feet) of elevation.

It comes after David learnt earlier this year that his friend, 29, had motor neurone disease.

You can donate to David’s cause by visiting: www.justgiving.com/page/mnda-david-cattell-1724409422599.

David, who moved to Llanberis from Sheffield last year, said: “When he told me, I was gobsmacked. For days, I thought: ‘Crikey. What can I do to help him?’

“All I could think of doing to help was fundraising. He’s already been in touch with the MNDA, and said they’ve been absolutely superb in supporting him and his family. Whoever is going to help him, I didn’t mind fundraising for them.

“I often do long 50-60km mountainous runs, so I thought: ‘This needs to be a ridiculous amount of mileage’. I thought 50-60km probably wasn’t headline-grabbing enough!

“The ascent is ridiculous. It’s going to be tough, but it’s all for a good cause. I’ve never run that far before, the furthest I’ve run is 80km.

“I try and keep a heart rate that I can maintain all through my runs. It’s not easy to do, but I’m definitely getting better at it.

“I’m confident that I’ll get around the 103km, assuming I don’t break a leg!”

The MNDA is a charity that aims to provide vital resources and care for those affected by motor neurone disease.

David has set himself the target of raising £10,000 for the organisation.

His 103km run will be roughly the equivalent of two-and-a-half marathons.