I am swimming with my Coca Cola colleagues the Queen Victoria docks to raise money for the MND Association and Stephen Hawking Foundation. These organisations fund and promote global research into motor neuron diseases (also known as ALS) and improve access to care for those living with or affected by MND.
Motor neurone disease (MND) describes a group of diseases that affect the nerves (motor neurones) in the brain and spinal cord that tell your muscles what to do. With MND, messages from these nerves gradually stop reaching the muscles, leading them to weaken, stiffen and waste.
In September of 2014, my father Oscar Collazos was diagnosed with ALS. In the absence of a medical solution, he resorted to fighting it with what he did best, writing. He continued to publish his weekly columns, and eventually had to use a text to speech device to communicate with friends and family. He published his last editorial on the 6th of May 2015 and passed away a few days later. ALS slowly destroys any motor ability, whilst it keeps your intellectual capacity intact. The support that not only patients but families need during this process is huge. Continuous science research is key to finding a cure. In the meantime, funds can also provide those affected with the therapeutic treatments, respiratory machines, text to speech devices, wheelchairs, and other healthcare support that they need.
Thank you for your contribution.
LaiaThis fundraising page benefits the following good cause:
Supporting the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Stephen Hawking Foundation to raise awareness and funds for MND research
London City Swim is a charity swim, taking place in Royal Victoria Dock in London on the 21st September 2018, to raise awareness and vital funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research. Come and swim in the beautiful waters of this national centre of excellence.
#SwimforMND
02 Oct
£75.00
"you're an inspiration"
24 Sep
£30.00
"Enhorabuena Laia! Bonita causa y gran logro! "
24 Sep
£20.00
"Gràcies per fer-ho Laia. Estic segur que el teu pare estaria molt orgullós de tu. Una abraçada ben forta!"
24 Sep
"Well done - an amazing achievement and fantastic to have raised so much money. Bravo xx the Varona Blakstads "
24 Sep
£20.00
"Sorry to be late but wanted to contribute to your passion and cause and support you. Miss you in New York xo"
23 Sep
£50.00
No message
23 Sep
£20.00
"Ánimo campeona! Besitos!!! Yvonne&family"
20 Sep
£200.00
Estamos orgullosisimos de ti y te enviamos amor y fuerza para que bracees en estas aguas tan frías por una causa tan personal y n... "Estamos orgullosisimos de ti y te enviamos amor y fuerza para que bracees en estas aguas tan frías por una causa tan personal y necesaria. XXX"
18 Sep
£20.00
"Te estaremos jaleando desde awui Laia. Que buena causa!! P& N"
18 Sep
£20.00
"Good Luck Laia! - Roger, Karen & Brodie x"
17 Sep
£20.00
"Good luck to you all in your challenge! What a great cause. Hope it's not too cold! "
12 Sep
£20.00
"Really touched by your story...good luck!!"
11 Sep
£20.00
"Great effort, great cause!"
11 Sep
£50.00
Good luck Laia, this is something amazing and I am sure the memory and love for your dad will give you the strength for facing the... "Good luck Laia, this is something amazing and I am sure the memory and love for your dad will give you the strength for facing the cold water :-)"
11 Sep
£20.00
"Best of luck Laia"
11 Sep
£20.00
"A great cause, well done"
05 Sep
No message
04 Sep
£10.00
"Good Luck Laia! "
03 Sep
£30.00
"I would not join you as I might drown... but excellent initiative."
03 Sep
£20.00
"Love your purpose, so personal and authentic."
03 Sep
£20.00
"Don't forget, keep your mouth firmly shut :-) "
03 Sep
"All the best with this xxx"
02 Sep
£50.00
"No puedo estar más orgullosa. Te quiero "
02 Sep
£50.00
"Vamos Laia!!!!!!! Peto enorme. Gon"
01 Sep
£50.00
"Go Laia!! "
01 Sep
"For my dear friend Laia and her beloved father who we had to deep pleasure to meet. We love you. Caroline and Mauricio"
31 Aug
£20.00
"Good luck Laia, lovely way to remember your Dad"
31 Aug
£100.00
"Great cause Laia, your dad would be proud."
30 Aug
"Hi Laia, Hope you enjoy your swim! All the best, Abs & Andy xx"
29 Aug
"SWIM, LAIA, SWIM! WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU. WITH MUCH LOVE, C."
29 Aug
£10.00
"Tot el que vingui de la Bruna sera per una bona causa, aixi que encantat de posar el meu mini granet de sorra"
29 Aug
"Go Laia Go! Por tu padre porque bailará contigo allá donde esté."
29 Aug
£100.00
"With love!"
28 Aug
£100.00
"Miss you Laia...good luck with the swim! Hope to see you sometime soon!"
28 Aug
£50.00
"Great effort Laia! Good luck!"
28 Aug
"Bravo Laia! Nos haces crecer con tu ejemplo! Animos y besos!"
27 Aug
£50.00
"Go Laia! xx"
27 Aug
£20.00
No message
27 Aug
£100.00
"Go go go Laia !!! "
27 Aug
Mucho ánimo, Laia! Resulta esperanzador ver los progresos que se están realizando en enfermedades motoras últimamente, y como t... "Mucho ánimo, Laia! Resulta esperanzador ver los progresos que se están realizando en enfermedades motoras últimamente, y como tantas veces, la financiación es la gran traba. Gracias por la campaña, y gracias por ayudar a aumentar la consciencia de estas enfermedades!"
27 Aug
Mucho ánimo!!! Siempre pensé que habías tenido mucha suerte de tener el padre que tuviste, pero veo que fue tu padre el que sal... "Mucho ánimo!!! Siempre pensé que habías tenido mucha suerte de tener el padre que tuviste, pero veo que fue tu padre el que salió ganando al tenerte como hija. Muchos besos!!"
26 Aug
"Mucho animo y enhorabuena!! es un gesto precioso que tu padre sin duda se sentirá orgulloso. Te quiero."