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Andre Goncalves

Saucony London 10K 2026

Help me reach my goal of £350

Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK

🏃‍♂️ 10km, 60 Minutes, and a Whole Lot of Drum & Bass
Last year, I crossed the London 10k finish line at 1 hour and 15 minutes. It was a solid start, but this July, I’m heading back to the capital for a rematch. My goal? To smash that time and finish in under 60 minutes.
The motivation? My Dad.
Watching him navigate the challenges of Parkinson’s is a daily lesson in grit. I’m running to raise money for Parkinson’s UK, the charity that supports every journey, every step of the way. They don’t wait for change; they fund the research, campaign for better care, and provide the life-changing services that families like ours need.
The Strategy:
The Soundtrack: High-speed Drum & Bass to keep my legs moving faster than my brain can tell them to stop.
The Goal: Shave 15+ minutes off my PB (moving from "leisurely jog" to "man on a mission").
The Cause: Improving life for everyone living with Parkinson’s and finding that cure.
"We’re a powerful community united by one mission: improving life with Parkinson’s."
I’m hitting the pavement to make my Dad proud and hit that sub-hour mark. If you can donate—even the price of a pint or a coffee—it would mean the world. Every penny helps Parkinson’s UK make change happen.
Let’s do this! 🔊👟Please use this link to donate: https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/login/profile

Please help me
reach my goal

Raised

£385 + £69 GiftAid

My Goal

£350

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My updates

From Couch to Half Marathon: Why I’m Running to Beat Parkinson’s

Monday 18th May
If you had told me a couple of years ago that I’d be tracking my split times and willingly waking up early on weekends to lace up running shoes, I would have laughed. I was the definition of a non-runner.
But sometimes, life gives you a "why" so powerful that your feet start moving before your brain can talk you out of it.
My "why" is my dad.

The Reality of Parkinson’s:
My dad is currently living with Parkinson’s, and seeing how it affects his daily life has been tough. Parkinson's doesn't just steal a person's movement; it chips away at the simple, everyday routines we all take for granted. Watching someone you love battle against their own body is a helpless feeling.
I knew I couldn't sit on the sidelines. I wanted to do something to fight back, support the incredible work being done by Parkinson’s UK, and show my dad that he’s not fighting this alone.
So, I decided to run.

My Running Journey: Breaking Barriers;
To say I started from scratch is an understatement. But step by step, the progress started happening:
 
The Start Line (Last Year):
I tackled my very first 10km run. Crossing that finish line in **1 hour and 15 minutes felt like conquering Everest.

The Leap of Faith (Earlier This Year): Emboldened by that 10km, the "non-runner" in me did the unthinkable—I signed up for, trained for, and completed the Surrey half Marathon.
 
The Next Goal (Right Now):
I’m chasing down a new personal best. I am training to smash a "sub-1-hour 10km".
Every time my lungs burn or my legs want to quit, I think about my dad’s daily resilience. Suddenly, running a few miles doesn't seem so hard.

Why Parkinson’s UK?
Parkinson’s UK is driving the research needed to find a cure, while simultaneously providing vital support, advice, and a lifeline to people living with the condition today. Every penny raised goes toward ensuring no one has to face Parkinson's alone, and that one day, we can stop this disease in its tracks.
 "We're running to turn frustration into funding, and hope into a cure."

How You Can Help
I’m putting in the miles, but I can’t hit my fundraising goal without you. If you are able to donate—even the cost of a cup of coffee—it would mean the absolute world to me and my family. If you can’t donate, sharing this post is just as valuable!
https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraisers/andredasilvagoncalves

Thank you all for the incredible support, the words of encouragement, and for backing me as I chase down this next milestone for my dad. Let's do this!

Thank you to my sponsors

£22.80

Gordon Morris

£10

Ryan Haines

Go for it pal!

£18.24

John Mcleran-anderson

£22.80

Craig Mclean-anderson

£11.55

Shane O'brien

Best of luck man!

£13

Anonymous

£11.55

Miguel

Smash it amigo!

£22.80

Pit Stop

Go Smash it bud!

£22.80

Taff

£33.15

Luke Jooste

£22.80

Wrench

£6.18

Anonymous

Good luck.bud.

£20

Winger

GOOD LUCK SCREW!!

£15

Quintin Viljoen

Go smash it Screw! 💪🏻🏃‍♂️

£10

James Gladwin

Vat hom fluffy

£32.23

Daniel De Barros

What an incredible cause, will be backing you all the way, so proud of you!

£21.84

Shireen Wessels

We are so proud of you Dre !

£30

Anonymous

£6.11

Becky

Well done Dre! You’ve got this!

£32.23

Steve Peckham

Go Dre