Katy and Ian GNR for Parkinson's UK

Katy and Ian run the GNR

Thank you for visiting our fundraising page! We are taking part in the Great North Run on 8th September 2024 to raise vital funds for Parkinson's UK. 

In 2022 Katy had burnout, which affected her mentally and physically. She was off work for three months, absolutely exhausted, and felt broken. She ended up leaving the job and organisation that left her in such a mess. After taking a long time to heal and repair, Katy spent time rebuilding herself throughout 2023, and at the start of 2024 she felt ready to challenge herself.

 Katy's dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s just over 10 years ago and Ian's step-mum was diagnosed with Parkinson’s last year. In both cases it was a huge shock to all of us, but we continue to be amazed by their determination to lead as full and active lives as they can. We feel extremely lucky that they have incredible support from local charities, his family, friends, and, of course, Parkinson's UK, which does such vital work in raising awareness and providing essential aid to those living with Parkinson's, and their loved ones.

 We've signed up to run the Great North Run (all 13.1 miles) on 8^th September 2024 and will be running to raise awareness and money for Parkinson’s UK.  It will physically and mentally challenge us, and it will be hard.

Katy has been training towards this since the end of March, and every long run she now does is the furthest she's ever run!

She’s managed a couple of 10 mile runs (some of her own and some with Ian as her cheerleader), but still has that final 3 miles to train for.

 Ian ran the London Marathon in April of this year, so since then has been continuing his long runs.

While he's familiar with this distance, it doesn't mean he's taking it easy... And he's hoping for a PB when he reaches the finish line in South Sheilds.  

Please help by sponsoring us whatever you can. All the money raised will go to Parkinson’s UK , to provide much-needed advice, support and information for people who are living with the condition, as well as to fund pioneering research to drive forward new treatments for Parkinson's.

Thank you!