Sunny Basson

Manchester Half Marathon 2025

Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK

After a year out with an ankle injury, I’m finally back running 🏃‍♂️ – fingers crossed the ankle holds up! Starting with the RUN NORTH WEST LIMITED  Knutsford 10K next week at the amazing Barclays Radbroke Technology Campus, then onto Manchester Half Marathon in October.


This year I’m running in memory of our friend Mark, and also to support my father-in-law as we raise awareness and funds for Parkinson's UK  


My father in law took part in a bbc documentary with Matt Tindall the Rugby player on Parkinson’s you can find out more here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-58892778/


Any donations, big or small, would mean a lot 💙



Parkinson’s is a complex brain condition that has no cure and gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety. And Parkinson's is on the rise. Someone is diagnosed every 20 minutes in the UK today. By 2050, the number of people with Parkinson’s worldwide will double to 25 million.

Parkinson’s UK is the charity that’s here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. Wherever you’re from, whatever you need.

From searching for a cure and campaigning for better health and care, to funding research into groundbreaking new treatments and running life-changing support services. It’s all driven by one mission: improving life with Parkinson’s.

That’s why I’m fundraising for Parkinson’s UK. 

My updates

Finish photo

Thursday 16th Oct

I did it!! Match report and thanks!

Thursday 16th Oct

Thanks for all the donations we have raised around £900 so far.  See race report below

🏁 Race Report: Manchester Half Marathon

 

Date: Sunday

Conditions: Cool, slightly foggy morning – perfect for running.

 

Pre-Race

I kicked off the day early with a bowl of porridge generously topped with honey. With my sister living in Chorlton near the route, I headed over and took a much-needed 30-minute warm-up walk to the starting area. It was a bit chilly, so I kept my poncho on until the race began.

 

Start Line

The atmosphere was electric – around 28,000 runners gathered, buzzing with excitement. As we made our way to the start line, Happy Mondays played in the background, setting the tone. And then, we were off!

 

The Run

I started fast and, to my surprise, managed to maintain the pace. The course was lined with cheering crowds, posters, live bands, and most importantly, my family and kids waving “power up” signs – a real boost throughout.

Despite previous ankle issues, everything held up well. I pushed through, and although fatigue crept in around the 11-mile mark, I kept going. With 200 metres to go, I summoned a final burst and sprinted (ish!) to the finish.

 

Finish Time

1 hour and 54 minutes – not my personal best, but considering my ankle history, I’m genuinely pleased with the result.

 

🎗️ Fundraising for Parkinson’s UK

Thanks to everyone’s incredible support, we’ve raisedalmost £800 for Parkinson’s UK. This means a lot to me and my family.

 

🏡 Family Update

A bittersweet milestone: my father-in-law had a stair lift fitted this week. It’s a sign of the progression of his Parkinson’s, which is tough to accept. But it also brings peace of mind knowing he can safely navigate the stairs.

 

Sponsorship links https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraisers/SunnyBasson/manchester-half-marathon/  or https://www.justgiving.com/page/sunny-manc-half-2025/

Knutsford 10km

Sunday 28th Sep
I completed the Knutsford 10km today! Managed to complete in 53minutes - not my fastest but pleased with the time and my ankle is doing ok! 2 weeks till Manchester Half Thanks for all the donations. All together over £650 raised across both here and just giving sites!!

Thank you to my sponsors

£20

Ruby And Dom

Well done Sunny!

£52.12

Chris Daglish

£50

Bholu And Family

Well done on the race and thanks for supporting Parkinsons!

£10

Bex Cooper

£20

Paul Testo

Go Sunny and keep on the flat surfaces. Good luck

£11.33

Gemma Peacock

Well done!

£10

Surinder Jaswal

Well done Sunny from bhua ji and phuffarji

£52.12

Jag Kundi

£21.36

Mark Reynolds

Good luck Sunny! Keep on running :-)

£10

Alisha Crighton

Good luck for the half marathon!

£11.33

Ben Tonge

Great cause Sunny, wish you all the best for the half marathon

£10

Lucas Waite

Good luck Sunny!

£53.32

Manjeet Kambo

All the best Sunny cheering you on From Kambo Family :)

£53.32

Anita Kainth

Good luck Sunny Jij. From the Kainths (Anita, Kirandeep & Family) 😊

£11.09

Sez

Congratulations Sunny

£30

Gareth

Congratulations!

£21.84

Gian-deep Harrar

£50

Tajinder Madahar

Good luck Sunny From The Madahars

£20

Duncan Anderson

Good luck Sunny!

£10

Katy Pearson

Good Luck 😊

£20

Jen Pettit

Good luck Sunny. Lots of love Jenny, Dan, Louise and George xx

£50

Nikki And The Kids!

Good luck Sunny!!