Because Parkinson's changes their pace, I'll change mine.
On Sunday 25 April 2027, I'll be taking on the TCS London Marathon—my first ever marathon—to raise money for Parkinson's UK.
This will be one of the biggest challenges I've ever taken on, and I would be incredibly grateful for any support you can give.
This isn't just about running 26.2 miles.
It's about running for someone I love - my Grandad.
My grandad was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease two years ago. Ever since his diagnosis, I've wanted to run the London Marathon in his honour. I applied for a place in each of the last two years without success, so I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful that Parkinson's UK has given me the opportunity to run in 2027.
Growing up, my grandad was one of those people you just expected would always be active. He was always on the go, independent, hardworking and full of energy. As a family, we genuinely thought he would live forever. He was always there, always busy, and always making memories with us.
Then Parkinson's changed everything.
Watching someone you love slowly lose the ability to do the things that once came so naturally is heartbreaking. Things many of us take for granted—walking with confidence, enjoying hobbies, going out without worry, even simple everyday tasks—have become increasingly difficult. He now misses out on so much that he once loved, and as a family we've had to watch someone so full of life become limited by a disease that currently has no cure.
Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition that affects much more than movement. It can cause tremors, muscle stiffness, slowness of movement, balance problems, fatigue, pain, sleep disturbances, anxiety and many other symptoms. Although medications can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, they don't stop the disease from progressing. Over time, treatment often becomes more complex, with medications needing careful adjustment, and many people experience periods where they become less effective. Sadly, there is still no cure.
Despite this, there is hope.
Research into Parkinson's has made enormous progress over the years, helping people live better and for longer with the condition. Scientists are working on new treatments that could slow, or even stop, the progression of Parkinson's while improving quality of life. Every breakthrough brings us one step closer to a cure, but there's still so much more to do.
That's why I've chosen to run for Parkinson's UK.
Parkinson's UK is there for everyone affected by Parkinson's, every step of the way. They fund groundbreaking research into better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. They campaign for better health and social care, provide expert information and support, and ensure nobody has to face Parkinson's alone. Their work makes a real difference to thousands of people and families every single day.
Training for my first ever marathon will be one of the biggest physical and mental challenges I've ever faced, but it pales in comparison to the challenges faced every day by people living with Parkinson's. Every training run will remind me why I'm doing this, and every mile I run through London will be for my grandad, my family, and everyone whose life has been affected by this cruel disease.
If you're able to donate—no matter how small—you'll be helping Parkinson's UK continue their incredible work supporting people today while funding the research that brings us closer to a future where no family has to experience what mine has.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me on this journey. Your generosity, encouragement and donations mean more than I can put into words.
Unfortunately, my grandad won't be able to be there in London to watch me cross the finish line, something I know he would have loved. But when I do cross it, the very first thing I'll do is call him. Being able to tell him that I did it—and that together we've helped raise money to support people and families affected by Parkinson's—will be one of the proudest moments of my life. I know he'll be just as proud of me as I am to be running for him. That's a memory I'll cherish forever.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we can help create a future without Parkinson's.
Thank you to my sponsors
£30
Contribution From Fantasy Football League
£45.10
Graham Baxter
Good Luck Caitlin keep on running like the Spencer Davis Group reaching No1 in the charts 1966 Graham & Sheena.X
£12.25
Rohan
You got this!!! 💪
£10
Eve Self
£12.25
Rosie
£33.83
Christine Railton
£55.88
Hannah & Eddie
Good luck Caitlin! So so proud of you! In support of Grandad and all others going through Parkinson’s 💕💕💕
£20
Paul & Linda Clark
Good Luck 👏👏
£20
Neil Mckenzie
Best of luck
£50
Katy And Susan Baxter
Good luck Caitlin from Great Auntie Katy & Susan x
£5
Catherine Comrie
£66.45
Nick Parkinson
£10
Nazeli
£10
Izzy
£12.25
Peter Melling
£100
Grandma And Grandad Poole
Thank you and good luck Caitlin . We are ever so proud of you 💕💕 Lots of love Grandma and Grandad xxxxx
£6.56
Peyton Shaw
You’re going to smash it! X
£33.83
Sam Robson
£10
Phil Marshall
It’s in my family as well so a very worthy cause. Good luck.
£50
Linda & Mike
Good Luck Caitlin, go smash it! 💪🏃♀️ Such a worthy cause ❤️ Love Linda & Mike xxx
£33.11
Annemarie & Simon
Good Luck Caitlin!! 🏃🏽♀️ 💪🏻 xx
£12.25
Graeme Calder
Good luck. A great charity.
£12.25
Craig Stainforth
£20
Karl Richardson
£23.45
Ian & Tina Ringrose
£12.25
Gordon Gibson
£100
David Calvert
Good Luck Caitlin
£10
Scott Clark
Good luck Caitlin! Scott &Lisa
£23.45
Paul Harrison
Good luck ! 👍
£23.45
Tim & Sarah Walker
£20
Jamie Smith
Good luck!
£5
Anonymous
£23.45
G. Kendrew
£10
Michelle Middleton
Good luck Caitlin x
£10
Tyler Clark
Best of luck!!
£20
Dave Curd
Good luck!
£23.45
Dean Snook
Good luck x
£20
Sam Coupland
£20
Carolyn Coupland
Well done for having the guts to actually enter, I’m sure you will smash it
£23.45
Dawn Briggs
£23.45
Anonymous
Good luck Caitlin xx
£28.44
Ryan And Lucy
Good luck Caitlin! Xxx
£23.45
Andy Crom
Good luck Caitlin.
£6.56
Andre Da Silva
£33.83
Gary Winterbottom
£20
Jonesy Aka The Welsh Wizard
Brilliant charity
£12.25
John Newman
Good Luck Caitlin. Very good Charity.
£20
Abbie Bowden
Good Luck xx
£23.45
Mark Young
Good luck, hope you can run faster than your dad
£100
Dave Woodrup
You are so thoughtful. I know you will do it! Love from Gdad Dave xx
£12.25
Ben Devereux
Fantastic effort for a very worthy cause, well done! 👍
£33.83
Steve Pell
Good luck and a great cause!
£23.45
Adam Turvey
Good luck
£20
John Mac
Best of luck 👏
£23.45
Nigel Banks
Good luck
£50
Col Medo
Good luck Caitlin 👍
£12.25
Tom Retallick
£50
Dan Clark
Great cause! Go smash it 👊
£23.45
Robert Sample
£12.25
Joshua Askwith
£23.45
Richard Everingham
Good luck - Rich & Jo
£20
Simon Hall
£40
Chloe, Max And Jon X
You will smash it! Good Luck Caitlin xx
£20
Tina O’mahony
Beautiful thing to do 🥰 Good luck!
£33.83
Jean J.
Thank you for taking action to help find a cure for this dreadful disease.
£20
Kay Trimble
An amazing thing to do Caitlin 👍❤️
£109.25
Simone Poole
You’ve got this Caitlin! So proud of you. Keep on running! Love from Mum
£50
Andy Poole
Wow 🤩 I’m super proud of you for doing this . You will both hate and love the 26.2 miles . You will know what I mean by that on the day . Well done CVP 👏👏 Lots of love Dad 💕
£10
Go Caitlin 🏃🏼♀️ 🏃🏼♀️ 🏃🏼♀️ Contribution from the fantasy football league we set up called Raising Parkinsons awareness