Nick Gray to run the 62 WUU2k Trail Marathon (July 13th 2019) to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy Association New Zealand

I was brought up in Wainuiomata where I meet by best friend Ricky Groenewegen when i was 2 years old.

We used to hang out together go on bush walks, holidays, I even lived at his house at certain times, his parents took me in a few times during hard times. Once Rick hit five his grandparents (who adopted him) noticed he was walking strangely so they had him examined, it was determined that he had Muscular Dystrophy.

His disorder made him worse and worse and he went from a manual wheelchair into an electric. While I was staying at his house I used to take care of him as he used to have trouble at night turning himself over in bed and many another simple task like picking things up or making himself a cup of tea. Anyway, he ended up on a life support machine and the plug was pulled which he had agreed to.

Rick was my best friend and still is even though he is now on the other side and has been for 25 years. It has made me a stronger, more focused and caring person. I respect the fact that I can walk, and take advantage of every muscle in my body. It important to respect each day I live and take it as if it was my last.

I am doing the 62k WUU2k Trail Marathon on July 13th 2019 and I want to raise as much money as possible for all the people with neuromuscular conditions to improve their quality of life.

I am now running over 40km a week, and I am ready to smash this race! I have also gone vegetarian for 5 days so far and think i will stay like this as it makes me a better racer.