Claire Wheat and Jane Bradbury

TCS London Marathon 2026

Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK

Hi all, 

I'm Claire Wheat and I'll be running the London Marathon on 26th April 2026.  So there, I've said it, so  I have to do it now!  

It will actually be my 10th MARATHON since I started running at the age of 66 back in 2017.  This marathon will be a little different as I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease a couple of years ago. 

Not great news, but did you know that one of the best ways to manage and potentially slow the progression of Parkinson's, is to do strenuous exercise? As my Parkinson's coach says.... "Train like an athlete, not like a patient!" So here I am with the brilliant support of my guide runner, Jane Bradbury. 

We are running to raise as much money as we can for Parkinson's UK.  They provide information, help and support through their website as well as vital research work to find further ways to slow this debilitating condition and hopefully find a cure in the future - near I hope!  

Any donations will be so gratefully received and will spur me on.

Love Claire xx

Hi, 

I'm Jane and am very proud to be Claire's guide runner for the London Marathon.  As well  as raising funds for this incredible charity, having a focus and training is truly helping us both. 

Our training has been tough and strewn with problems but we are both determined to get to the finish line. Claire is a true inspiration and has so much grit and determination to succeed - we will finish the marathon!!  

Your support and encouragement through donations or words, are gratefully received. 

Love Jane xx

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page! I’m taking part in the TCS 2026 London Marathon for Parkinson’s UK and would really appreciate your support! 

Please help by sponsoring me with whatever you can. The money raised will help fund ground breaking research and change the lives of the Parkinson's community. 

My updates

Training is tough!!

Wednesday 11th Mar
Winter marathon training is hard! And Parkinson's chucks in a whole load of obstacles and challenges to make things even harder.
Doing fast intervals in the dark (here with Jane Bradbury and Jessie Wheat) which, just a year ago would have carried low risk, now poses problems. My Parkinson's has other plans like affecting my balance which means that I'm likely to trip - this time only grazed hands and knees and torn leggings, luckily!
But as we approach the sharp end of our training programme I'm so frustrated by Parkinson's limiting my ability to run slow and long. I can turn my legs over in a normal running motion but as I tire I hardly cover any ground and my pace evaporates.
So today along with my London Marathon Guide, Jane we set off to run 14 miles. All was going really well for ten miles, but then Parkinson's stepped in and decided to kill my pace. All I can do is work hard whilst respecting my body's limitations and do my best, hoping next week's long run will be a bit better! I'm not giving up!
Jane and I are running the marathon for Parkinson's UK, to help them support people with Parkinson's and to fund more research.

You can follow our updates here and also we'd love you to help us with a donation if you can. Thank you!

Running isn't always plain sailing.......

Saturday 28th Feb
We've had a fair few very wet training runs recently.  The puddles have been like small ponds where a raft might have been useful! 

One of the issues I have with Parkinson's is a lack of balance which is a bit of a nightmare with water and waterlogged verges like this.  Jane usually has to hold my hand - literally - so I stood very still while she got the photo and then came back to rescue me!
Friday 27th Feb


Thank you to my sponsors

£27.05

Mo

Good luck to two very inspirational and determined ladies xx

£21.84

Paul G

Good luck to you (not that you need it)👊🏻

£53.32

Ruth

Good luck and take care!

£23.91

Magdalene

£21.84

Pippa

You are a true inspiration Claire, there isn’t a challenge you won’t rise to and with Jane by your side you will always succeed. I am in awe of you both, a real pair of legends x

£21.84

Jake Parker

I’m so inspired by your efforts Claire, Keep going you’re doing such an incredibly great job!

£14.29

Alan Pritchard

What an inspiration you are Claire.

£20

Emma Bryant

Claire you are an absolute inspiration. A fantastic charity to raise money for. You’ve got this!

£16.56

Sue

You’ve got this Claire!! Xx

£106

Karen Parker

Keep going! You are amazing!

£31.51

Diana

Forward and onward

£20

Deb Abraham

Amazing work my fabulous friend Claire! Very sorry to read about your diagnosis… keep those little legs going mate xx

£21.84

Claire's Feb End Of Range Sale On Etsy

£50

Kerr And Ian

A great cause to support and one that’s personally close to our hearts.

£10

Aby Jones

Happy running!! Very inspiring 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

£21.84

Philippa Gregory

You’ll both smash it 💪 good luck with your training love seeing your runs x

£21.84

Ann Schwarzenbach

Go Ladies! Have a fantastic time at London, you have worked so hard for this.

£50

John Houlihan

Good luck. Some impressed by you both.

£21.84

Jess W

All the best on race day ladies, have a grand time💚 You're a fantastic team, and will be encouraging so many around you as you make your way around the course 💛!

£32.23

Mary Byrnes

Claire and Jane - I am so happy to support you and will be with you inspirit!

£21.84

Jane Bradbury