Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page! I’m taking part in the 2027 TCS London Marathon for Parkinson’s UK on Saturday 24 April and would really appreciate your support!
I'm turning 50 this year and plan to mark this new decade by
running the London Marathon and hopefully raising lots of funds for Parkinson's
UK, a charity so close to my heart.
My wonderful dad lived with Parkinson's for almost 20 years. He approached each
day with courage and positivity and was a real inspiration. He always had a
smile, time to listen and was willing to give things a go, embracing
opportunities and often surprising us - perhaps even himself - with what was
possible. He loved music, sport, travel, good food and spending time with his
family. He also had a great sense of humour!
Some of you may realise that this is not my first 26.2mile undertaking. In the spirit of my dad embracing the many challenges life threw at him with such courage, I promised myself way back in 2005 that I'd tackle the London Marathon - and a huge fundraising target - every 10 years (or so). I was delighted to run and raise money for Parkinson's UK in 2005 and 2016 with my dad there to cheer me on. Sadly we lost Dad in 2022, but I like to this he'll be cheering me on this time from afar.
It's going to be tough (to raise funds as well as run) but I hope to make a real difference to those who face the immense challenge of living with Parkinson's.
___________________________________________________
Why Parkinson's UK? I'm raising money to help the charity develop better treatments and a cure for the condition.
Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor, impaired movement and pain, to anxiety and cognitive issues. There is no cure. Someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK every 20 minutes and by 2050, the number of people living with the condition worldwide will double to 25 million.
Parkinson’s UK is the leading European funder of Parkinson’s research and here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. For information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.
We’re Parkinson’s UK. The charity that’s here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. Wherever you’re from, whatever you need.
