Andrew, 69, is running the London Marathon for Huntington’s Disease Association in memory of friend of 45 years

“Fundraising is important as it is my way of showing support to Simon and his two daughters whilst honouring Julie’s memory. If what I do makes more people aware of the difficulties faced by those affected by Huntington’s disease, then I feel I have done some good.” - Andrew says

Andrew from Lincolnshire is running the London Marathon this year in memory of his late friend of 45 years, Julie. This follows his daughter Britt who completed the marathon for the Huntington’s Disease Association in 2025. 

“For me, it was easy to choose Huntington’s Disease Association as a charity to fundraise for. I want people to be informed about Huntington’s and what it does and I want the families and friends of those impacted by this disease to have support to help them.” - Andrew says

He is taking on this challenge aged 69 years old. This makes him one of the oldest runners to secure a charity place with the Huntington’s Disease Association.

“I like to think I am still in my 30’s, but I’m not and consequently the body takes longer to recover. Fortunately for me, the charity was able to secure the services of Andy McGhee [running coach] who has managed our weekly training schedule and worked it around what we are able to do, and I have endeavoured to follow his programme.” - Andrew says

“The support from the Huntington’s Disease Association team has been excellent. There’s a WhatsApp group, monthly mailers and Teams meetings which have enabled us to become acquainted and be advised as to how we should train and what to expect. There is always a wealth of knowledge from the team and they are very responsive.” - Andrew continues

Andrew’s friends, Simon and Julie met in school in 1977 and were together until she passed away in 2025. Julie began to develop symptoms in 2016. By the end of 2024 it was becoming impossible to care for Julie at home and she was admitted to hospital. Throughout these years, the family utilised the Huntington’s Disease Association for advice and support.

Whether fundraising or donating, the money raised through events such as the London Marathon funds the important work of the charity. The money raised by Andrew and other runners provides a lifeline for families like Simon’s.

“Because Huntington’s disease is not well understood by many people, the help we received from the Huntington’s Disease Association made us feel that we were not on our own. We have recently taken part in a pilot scheme of counselling run by the charity with several other families. This works better as it is specific for Huntington’s families. This has helped us to feel that we are part of a bigger family, not alone.” - Simon says

Andrew and Simon met at work in the 80s and have been friends ever since. The couples were very close and shared many family holidays in Europe over the years. Andrew’s family have supported Simon and his family throughout their Huntington’s journey. 

“I am super proud of Andrew (Webbo). At 69, I don’t know how he does it. I applaud him for the training he has put in which has been pretty extensive and will serve him well on the day. We will be there to cheer him on and will come to the post-marathon party to meet some more of the Huntington’s family.” - Simon continues

Huntington’s Disease Association is a charity in England and Wales that supports anyone affected by Huntington’s disease. Huntington’s disease affects generations of families and the advice and support given by the Huntington’s Disease Association is invaluable. The charity works with families from childhood to care homes and educates healthcare professionals, policy makers and the general public about disease. The work of the charity would not be possible without people like Andrew who work really hard to raise funds and awareness.

You can donate to Andrew here - https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/webbo