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Claire Wheat and Jane Bradbury

TCS London Marathon 2026

Help me reach my goal of £2,300

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, Gaia Forlani says.... "Train like an athlete, not like a patient!" Gaia is the co-founder of the Parkinson Performance Centre and creator of the Parkinson  Power Protocol.   

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. 

Please help me
reach my goal

Raised

£2,692 + £572.37 GiftAid

My Goal

£2,300

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My updates

Our day out in London!

Tuesday 28th Apr
It was always going to be a struggle with Parkinson's always there, reminding me that I was in a fight. But we weren't going to let that get in our way.
After shuffling along in the loo queue which seemed to take forever, I might have become the first person to get trapped in a portaloo at the event having locked myself in and then promptly fallen onto the tiny bit of floor and getting trapped. A pretty difficult situation for someone with Parkinson's to get out of and it felt like 20 mins before I escaped, but of course it was much less and then we were off!
At 5 miles we were really thrilled to see my son Sam and his two kids who had made me a special "Jog on Granny" placard!.
Then there was more! Onto the Cutty Sark and the iconic Tower Bridge when I was completely taken by surprise to see my lovely sister in law, Karen and Andy! Overwhelming!!
12 miles done and feeling confident.....but at around 16 miles I tripped over (thanks Parkinson's). And then it happened again. Both times other runners, marshals, first aid responders and spectators rushed to my aid. Thank you all for your concern. I just concentrated on getting up and carrying on, feeling a bit embarrassed TBH.
But on both occasions the crowds were amazing, cheering me on as I got up and ran off. I felt more like a celebrity than a runner!
But after that it all went a bit wrong. Parkinson's decided to throw invisible obstacles in my path, mainly by way of slowing me down whilst I felt I was still going fast. And we ended up walking the last 8 miles or so, sadly. But I had had an amazing day with Jane who trained with me through thick and thin.
And another heap of thanks to everyone who has donated to Parkinson's UK. It means such a lot to me.
There is still time to give money though!

It's all over, bar the race!

Friday 24th Apr
Only two more sleeps till we (me and my guide runner Jane Ann and about 40,000 other runners!) cross the start line at the TCS London Marathon.
I can definitely say it hasn't been easy to get here. Training all year, at all times, and in all weathers (usually bad) takes its toll and then Parkinson's adds a load more issues and complexities, but here we are, ready to go! Except, that is for Mable who has been through it all with us, but being a dog she doesn't get the opportunity to run and get a medal, sadly!
We are running to raise funds for Parkinson's and we send our heartfelt thanks to all of you who have already donated - you, and many others, have kept us going with your lovely messages of support.
You can still donate here - no matter how large or how small, every donation counts for so much!
And you can follow our progress on the day by downloading the TCS London Marathon app and searching for us. See you on the other side!

And........Taper!

Friday 10th Apr
The training for this Marathon has been a real roller-coaster (except with more downs than ups!). Training in the dark; training in the rain and on flooded roads; and once in a while, training in the glorious sunshine. Nearly all my training has been with Jane Ann constantly at my side: planning training sessions and trying to prevent me from falling. Always encouraging, often recalculating to find safer routes, and coming up with ingenious ideas like the now famous "Sticky"!
But the other (unwelcome) constant has been Parkinson's Disease which throws new problems into the mix at any time and any place. The changes are unpredictable and difficult to work round in everyday life, let alone when training for a marathon.
Loss of balance, freezing gait, and bradykinesia are just 3 of the PD problems that I've been fighting with during this time.  But now as the day approaches, all we can do is stay focused, ease off with the training miles and hope to be in good shape for the day!

First outing for our Parkinson's London Marathon T shirts but....

Saturday 28th Mar
Well, that's 16 marathon training miles done, but it wasn't fast and it wasn't pretty as Parkinson's keeps reminding me.
My guide runner and lovely friend Jane, and I set off optimistic in the bright sunshine, not daunted by the very sharp wind that seemed to be working against us from the start. And we were wearing our Parkinson's marathon T shirts for the first time as they had just arrived in the post.
12k and we were gong strongly, but then I gradually noticed that my pace was getting slower and slower. I was putting in the effort but my brain and legs seemed to be disconnected and the messages to move my legs were lost or scrambled. A weird sensation!
So the second half was tortuously slow and difficult, but on the bright side, I managed to avoid last week's problem (violently veering to the right, unable to stop myself), partially by being more aware of the early warning signs, most definitely helped by focusing on balance exercises in the week.
So it's the big 20 mile run next week - I wonder what Parkinson's will throw at me then....watch this space!

18 marathon training miles done, but a run of two halves!

Sunday 22nd Mar
We started off feeling really strong and positive, cruising round the streets and parks of Lichfield to bank in some solid miles before running into the surrounding countryside and villages in a big loop.
All was going well until about 9 miles when I developed balance issues causing me to veer over to the right, at times quite dramatically. This has happened a few times before, but not to this extent.
But what do you do if you are 10 miles from home? Your amazing and resourceful friend Jane Bradbury, finds a solution!

OK, it was "only" a stick but with some work on different materials and dimensions it could be my saviour if this happens again! We both grip one end of the stick just like you would pass a baton in a relay race except for one key difference.......neither of us lets go!!!
OK, we were very slow after that, but we got round. Just another curved ball that Parkinson's has thrown at me - it's a cruel condition for sure!

This is me with "THE Stick!!!!

16 miles done! And trial run of a new fuelling strategy!

Friday 20th Mar
16 miles done! It was a beautiful crisp Saturday morning, perfect for a stroll into town and a relaxing breakfast - but not for us! With a matter of weeks to go before the London Marathon, Jane Ann and I set off to run 16 miles! 

It was a hard but really lovely route through the local countryside and villages, with signs of spring round every bend. But for me, one of the key aims was to test out a shift from fuelling from mainly high carb, sugary sources to fuelling entirely from more complex carbs.

So out with the sugar filled drinks, bars, sweets and glucose tablets etc, and in with just electrolytes in my water, rough oatcakes, salted nuts, mini crackers etc., off we went!

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

£11.33

Karen

Well done 👏

£22.76

Anonymous

How inspirational!

£11.33

Emma Hock

Well done! This is awesome.

£10

Lucie And James Witty

What a amazing achievement for a incredible cause x

£10

Abbi

Congratulations to you both! Your stoicism and determination Claire to complete this huge feat, despite having Parkinson’s is truly awe inspiring. So many would have given up after falling but you soldiered on! What a great friend you are Jane, supporting Claire both through the training and build up, as well as on the day!

£20

The Mackenzies

Well done! Inspirational

£11.33

Rekha Williams

£100

Maryvonne

I am overwhelmed by your courageousness in undertaking this challenge. Also donating in memory of my Mum.

£20

Anonymous

£21.84

Charlotte Shek

Good luck and enjoy

£21.84

Edda Harrison

Good Luck, Jane!

£32.23

Andrew Malpass

£32.23

Jason, Lou & Em

Good luck Claire & Jane!! You’re both amazing 🏃‍♀️✨🏃‍♀️

£21.84

Ruthie

£21.84

Sarah Dawes

Well done both for all the hard work you've already put in. Go out tomorrow and enjoy it

£21.36

Amy

Best of luck tomorrow ladies! Truly inspirational 🩷 xx

£62.36

Liz Clarke

Well done ladies, I hope you have a great day xxx

£20

Ben Bulleyment

A cause very close to home. Go and enjoy the experience Jane & Claire. Good luck xx

£79.50

Julie And Richard Metcalfe

A very special occasion ! Hope you find time to enjoy the sights Lots of love from us both X

£161

Queen’s Croft High School - Parents, Staff And Students

To Jane and Claire, we’ll all be cheering you on from Lichfield this Sunday! Go smash it!

£50

Linda Read

Go for it girl. Much love

£10

Suzanne

Good luck Claire, if anyone can do it you can.

£53.32

Ellery And Jonte

We'll be cheering you on aunty Claire!

£11.33

Janna

Hope you both have a great day, good luck.

£11.33

Becky And Luke

Good luck both love Becky Luke and kids xx

£32.23

Jo Dennis

Good luck and hope it all goes well.

£100

Steve Wheat

Go Girls........Good Luck

£50

James Young

This is amazing Claire! I hope you have an amazing day! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

£21.84

Chloe & Dan

Good luck Claire! 🏃🏻‍♀️

£32.23

Anna &will Savage

You are Amazing Claire!!! Good luck for the marathon, we are rooting for you xxx

£21.84

Alex Beard

10 marathons, what an amazing achievement to be working towards! Wishing you all the very best with your training and on the day, love the Beards

£30

Rebecca Rawlings

Good luck! We think you are amazing! Becca, Jules, Marley, Lola and Chloe xxxxxx

£20

The Nices

Good luck Claire. Very inspiring !

£20

Anonymous

Go get em!

£53.32

Sam

Go Granny!!!

£20

Marcus Houlihan

£10

Jenni

You are both amazing and inspirational

£32.23

Katie & Timothy Plumb

Good luck to you both & safe running. Such a tremendous effort for a highly worthy cause. Awe inspiring is the least to say.

£21.84

Boblittlewood

Good Luck!

£11.33

John Langrish

Many best wishes for your amazing challenge!

£12.45

Claire's March End Of Range Sale On Etsy

£20

Chill

So proud of you both! Go and smash it. 🫶🏼🌟

£40

Keith And Marian

Good luck both. You have already succeeded with the training you have put in and raising awareness of Parkinsons. Enjoy the Marathon day, we will be following you.

£10

Gemma Lindley

£10

Joanna Edmonds

Claire&Jane.. you are truly inspirational and have endured many a weather and obstacle to get where you are today. Enjoy the taper time and I look forward to following your journey on the big day.

£10

Mandy Brassington

Claire you have always been amazing and inspirational. I'll be cheering you on.

£10

Heidi Small

My dad got diagnosed last year, he's 81 but amazing. I think your both fantastic. Go girls, love Heidi and Lee xx

£20

Phill Brindle

Good luck both - amazing commitment and determination.

£53.32

Lisa Parry

Claire, Jane, what an incredible pair you are!! It’s been so wonderful seeing you on training runs these last few months, I’ve been completely inspired by you both - you are both so determined & brave! Claire you’ve taken every knock and challenge in your stride, and Jane you’re always ready with a smile, reassurance and just a brilliant attitude! Together nothing can stop you! I can’t wait to track you on the day, and as you know this is a cause close to my heart too. All my love to you both! X x

£21.84

Anonymous

Good luck on race day. Such determination is beyond words

£20

Amanda Sims

Well done both

£50

Toby, Lena, Jess & Karl

Best of luck to you both! You're amazing!

£21.84

Clare

£20

Mel Farmer

£10

Sarah Wilkinson

Good luck on your final lap. You are amazing and inspirational.

£32.23

Sarah Goudie

Really proud of you, Claire

£32.23

Carolyn Marr

Amazing effort. Good luck from a friend of Karen Parker

£32.23

Ruth Needham

Well done Claire and Jane xx

£21.84

Cheryl Smith

Cheering you both on, with awe and admiration!

£20

Kim

Keep going Claire and Jane you’re an inspiration.

£21.84

Beth Clarke

Good luck Claire and Jane. I've loved bumping into you on training runs. Claire you are an inspiration to us all, I'm so proud of you both. Xx

£50

Amy

Best of luck to you both! Great cause x

£10

Libby

So proud of you both, you’ll smash the marathon and the fundraising too 💪✨ Amazing cause, excited to follow your journey 🤗

£53.32

Andy Littlewood

Claire I am in awe! I didn't tell you but I am so proud to have a big sister doing this!

£21.84

Kirsty Pritchard

Good luck ladies, am sure you will smash it and fundraising for such a worthy cause too. 💜 xxx

£21.84

Irene And Roy

Good luck ladies xx

£6.11

Clare Purkis

£10

Jackie Roberts

I've watched you both training in the cold and dark - hope it goes well on the day (at least it will be light!)

£10

Mandy

You are both training hard and should be very proud of yourselves. Looking forward to tracking you both on the day! X

£20

James & Gemma

Claire and Jane, you are role models to us all. Go smash it!

£21.84

The Sanders

Best of luck Claire and Jane! Go smash it and enjoy the day xxx

£21.84

Carina And Matt Allan

You are both an inspiration! Great work x

£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