Gemma Hill

After taking on Mount Kilimanjaro and trekking through the Grand Canyon, I thought I'd learnt my lesson when it came to signing up for crazy challenges! But somehow, I'm no preparing to run the 26.2 miles thought the streets of London.

Like my other challenges, this one is incredibly personal too me. I'm running the London Marathon for my dad, who's been living with Parkinson's for the past eight years. Parkinson's has changed so much for Dad and for our family, and although I can't take away the challenges that come with the condition, I can do something to raise awareness, support others and hopefully make a difference to families living with Parkinson's and Dementia.

The training itself is going to be a huge challenge. I'm not a marathon runner, and when I started this journey, running just one mile without stopping felt like hard work. So, the thought of eventually running 26.2 miles seems slightly ridiculous right now!

But I'll be taking it one mile at a time and there is one thing that is going to keep me going when the training gets tough. I want dad to be there at the finish line. 

I know there will be difficult days, sore legs, early mornings and plenty of moments when I'll question why on earth I signed up for this. But whenever it gets hard, I'll think about dad and remember exactly why I'm doing it.

This marathon isn't just about running 26.2 miles. Its about doing something positive with a challenge that means so much to me and helping shine a light on the realities of Parkinson's and Dementia

So here goes....

26.2 miles

London Marathon

April 2027

For Dad

If you'd like to support me and help me reach my fundraising target, I'd be incredibly grateful for any donation, however big or small. Every donation, message and encouragement will mean so much to me an will keep me going throughout the months of training ahead

Thank you for supporting me on what's going to be my biggest challenge yet

xx