Diagnosed with MND, Now Breaking Records for Charity
By Jill Dando News
Serial entrepreneur Paul Jameson was given as little as six months to live when he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) on 12 June 2017.
But eight years later, he’s defying the odds and marking the anniversary by aiming to raise £88,000 for the MND Association.
His aptly named “8 for 8 Challenge” involves eight charity fundraisers this year – including an attempt to break four Guinness World Records.
On 7 September, Paul will team up with world champion dog sled racer Vickie Pullen at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey. Records – including the greatest distance a person is pulled by dogs in one minute – are set to be confirmed.
“What Paul’s doing is extraordinary,” Vickie said. “It’s about showing that strength comes in many forms – and that determination, teamwork, and a cause worth fighting for can achieve the unimaginable.”
The other four challenges include:
- Dry January to March – Paul’s colleague Chris Guinness raised £5,300 by giving up alcohol for three months, and matched the public’s donations for a total of £10,600.
- March of the Day – Organised by ex-footballer Stephen Darby, this three-day walk from Wembley to Ipswich saw Paul completing the Arsenal-to-Chelsea leg in his wheelchair, raising over £10,000.
- MND Golf Day (June) – Now in its fifth year, this event, run with Surrey LTA at West Surrey Golf Club, is expected to raise up to £10,000, with players like Jack Draper and Joe Salisbury participating.
- Paul’s new book – His follow-up to Very Much Alive, titled Say Yes to Life: And No to Heaven, releases this summer. All profits go to the MND Association. The book reflects on life with terminal illness, challenging societal taboos around death with hope and honesty.
The total £88,000 will go to the West Surrey branch of the MND Association by the end of 2025.
“Paul has done an extraordinary amount to raise awareness of MND,”said MND Association’s Libby Hannelle. “He continues to inspire the MND community with his passion and perseverance.”
Since his diagnosis, Paul has raised nearly £200,000 for MND research. His feats include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and playing the highest-altitude tennis match on record.
“Failure is not an option,” Paul said. “I’m determined to break all four world records on 7 September and raise as much as I can. The MND Association has helped me enormously since 2017.”
Reflecting on eight years since his diagnosis, Paul said:
“I’m incredibly lucky to still lead a happy, fulfilling life. Do I wish I didn’t have MND? Of course. But I can still see the many positives that have come from my journey.”
Through his experience, Paul also recognised the silence around death. That led him and his son Dave to launch Aura, a direct cremation and funeral planning company. It aims to help people talk more openly and practically about end-of-life decisions.
With Father’s Day approaching, Paul and Dave recorded a powerful video discussing how MND brought them even closer. Paul told his son:
“You’ve been gifted a chance at a wonderful life – live it fully. Be kind, take risks, work hard, and stay grateful.”
Dave responded:
“Even with all we’ve lost, I’m proud of every moment. I’ll carry on your legacy and make you proud. This is just the beginning for Aura.”
To find out more about Paul’s company and the main sponsor of Paul’s 8 for 8 charity campaign, the direct cremation provider Aura, visit their website https://www.aura.life/
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