24/08/2026
Taking on the Quantock Hills Half Marathon for the South West MS Therapy Centre 🏃♂️ Here's Alison's story, in her words:
"On Sunday 4th October, my son Noah and I will be taking on one of the South West's toughest trail half marathons to raise money for the South West MS Centre.
The Quantock Hills Half Marathon is far from an ordinary 13.1 mile race. We'll be climbing around 1,000 metres through the stunning Quantock Hills, tackling steep ascents and fast descents, weaving through ancient woodland, crossing rivers and streams, negotiating rocky trails, muddy paths, open moorland and winding country lanes.
It's a race that demands determination, resilience and a good sense
of adventure and we're both really looking forward to the challenge.
Many of you may remember Noah from when he volunteered at the Monday Exercise Group at the South West MS Centre a couple of years ago. He's now old enough to take on this incredible event with me, making this challenge even more special as we train and run it together. We're raising money for a charity that means an enormous amount to both of us.
As a neurological physiotherapist, I've had the privilege of working at the South West MS Centre for past couple of years. Every week I see first hand the life changing difference the Centre makes to people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. It provides specialist physiotherapy, exercise classes, rehabilitation, wellbeing services and, perhaps most importantly, a welcoming community where people can find support, encouragement and friendship.
Every week I have the privilege of working alongside people who refuse to let MS define them. Their determination, resilience and humour inspire me every single day.
When the climbs become steep, my legs are tired and another hill appears around the corner, they'll be the people I'll be thinking about.
If they can face the challenges they live with every day with such courage and positivity, then Noah and I can certainly keep putting one foot in front of the other.
This challenge is also a personal one. Earlier this year I suffered a calf injury that left me wondering whether I'd even be able to run another Half Marathon again, so simply standing on the start line will feel like an achievement.
To take on a race as demanding as this, alongside Noah and in support of a charity that means so much to us, makes every mile worthwhile.
The South West MS Centre is an independent charity and relies heavily on fundraising and donations to continue providing these vital services. Every pound raised helps people access expert rehabilitation and support that can make a real difference to their quality of life.
If you're able to support us with a donation, however big or small, we'd be incredibly grateful. Your generosity will help the South West MS Centre continue changing lives every single day.
Thank you so much for your support. We'll give every climb, every descent and every river crossing everything we've got, knowing we're doing it for an amazing cause."
Thank you both, for taking on this incredible challenge and for supporting the South West MS Therapy Centre. We wish you the very best of luck on every climb, descent and river crossing! 💙
Donate here: https://mstherapycentresw.enthuse.com/pf/ali-bulger-7c30e
🏃♀️🏃♂️
