Helen Clegg

Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK

I’m running the Royal Parks Half Marathon this October to raise money for Parkinson’s UK — a cause very close to home.

My Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s during COVID. It’s a cruel and unpredictable condition with more than 40 possible symptoms. Everyone’s experience is different, and my dad’s journey is personal, so I won’t share details — but like so many families, we’ve learned how cruel the condition can be.

Parkinson’s isn’t strictly hereditary, but around 15% of people have a family history of it. My grandpa also lived with Parkinson’s over 20 years ago. Despite progress in understanding the disease, treatments still focus mainly on managing symptoms rather than slowing or stopping progression. There is no cure, and very few new treatment options. Levodopa — the main medication — has existed since the 1960s. Deep brain stimulation helps some people, but beyond that, support is mostly about managing symptoms day by day. Research is happening, but progress is slow, and Parkinson’s remains one of the fastest‑growing neurological conditions worldwide.

That’s why I’m running.

For anyone who knows me, running has never come naturally. I’ve always wanted to be a runner, but my track record is… patchy at best.

This time feels different though. This is the furthest I’ve ever run, and for me, that makes it a really big deal.

I won’t pretend it doesn’t intimidate me — it absolutely does. Not just the distance, but the commitment it takes to train properly, to keep showing up, and to push through when it would be easier to stop. That’s the real challenge for me.

I've been quietly starting training and right now, my apps predict a 2:30–2:50 finish. I would love to get to the 2:05-2:25 time— but honestly, getting to the start line feeling fit and genuinely prepared would be a huge achievement for me (I have a habit of starting strong then tapering off....).

Finally....asking for donations doesn’t come naturally to me either — but this matters. I’m determined to raise money for better treatments and, one day, a cure.

If you’re able to support me in any way, thank you. It means more than I can say, and it will absolutely keep me accountable with my training 💙