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 💙
My achievements
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Thank you to my sponsors
£109.25
Margaret Fitzpatrick
£50
Ed, Leni And The Kids
Well done Aunty Helen - we're very proud of you!
£30
James Ratcliffe
Smashed it! Great time and an incredibly worthy cause.
£12.25
Fiona Barnes
Well done Hels! Amazing xxx
£17.89
Adam
Well done Helen!!!!!
£15
From Ana And Paul Xx
Congratulations Helen!! No mean feat!
£33.83
Emma
Well done, what an achievement!
£50
Alan And Mary
Well done Helen a great achievement for a great cause. We ate very proud of you xx
£20
Nina
So proud of you Helen! Lots of Love, Nina, Jamie, Clark & Lois XxxX
£25
Matthew & Rachael Legge
Well done Helen, great cause x
£23.45
Harris
Absolutely smashed it!!! You are just incredible xx
£17.89
Katie Moon
No doubt you will smash it ! Go girl 💪
£20
Baby Rae
Go smash it Aunty Helen, you've got this!! 🍀🏃🏽♀️💪🏽 We're very proud of you 🤍 Much love from us all xx
£23.45
The Wheelers
So incredibly proud of you Helen. I hope you have a great playlist! Enjoy the atmosphere xxx
£33.83
Emma Wl
Good luck!
£60
Dad
You're a star Helen, I'm so proud of you stepping up to this challenge. Good luck! Thank you to all your kind supporters!
£20
O Pedley
£20
Katie & Rupert Malins
Good luck Helen - we know you’ll be amazing. Such a great cause xx
£100
Leggey
I am SO proud of you! You are amazing and this is an incredible achievement for such a good cause. You've totally got this. I can't wait to run many more miles together. Love you 🩵💙🤍
£23.21
Elizabeth Croker
Both your Grandpa and Dad were/are talented sportsmen. Let that spirit inspire you - you can absolutely do this, Helen! x
£30
From The Croker-arifs!
£20
Dalts Xxx
Good Luck Hels! So impressed that you're a runner now!
£20
Vicky Xxx
No matter what the speed this is a huge achievement - when you are juggling so many other things ! Smashing it as you always do for a very good cause
£10
Kim & Phoebe Disney
Go on Helen! You’ve got this! Love Kim & Phoebe Disney!
£2.50
Marta Storta
Just go for it good luck Helen
£17.89
Stock-carniel’s
You’re amazing! Enjoy the atmosphere and the post race food! ❤️
£20
Anthony Vaughan
£23.45
Cara Elkin
Well done. Equally for my brother and father. Xx
£10
Zoe Sasso
You've got this, Helen xx
£10
Rebecca
Well done for committing to this, an amazing thing to do!
£33.83
Clare
Keep going. You have overcome so much in the last couple of years, you can do this!
£12.25
Laura Lock
Hurry up and smash it so we can get back to slacking off at Clauds together
£20
Ed L
You've got this!
£33.83
Kate Roberts
You will smash it!
£17.89
Francesca Purvis
Go Lennie! You’re a star!! Good luck and I hope it goes well. Loads of love, the Purvi xxx
£17.89
Emma Edward
Good luck hunnie!!! You’ll smash it!!
£33.83
Martin Dowle
£25
Claire, Matt & Ada
Good luck Helen!
£17.89
Clare
Good luck Helen!! What you’re doing is amazing xx
£6.56
Hilary Goodman
Good luck -You’ll smash it !
£20
Lucy Quigley
Good luck Helen!
£30
Judith And Michael
Great stuff and good luck! J & M
£23.45
Laura
Good luck Helen. No doubt you will smash it. You’ve now been awarded the title of ‘runner’ in the family. Grandpa would be very proud and so is your dad.
£30
Bryany Higgins
Smash it Len, you’re amazing :-)
£20
Fiona James
Good luck Helen!!! Loads of love from us all xx
£15
Aurelia Nicholls
Well done, Helen, go for it!
£10
Rowan Maddock
Great cause - you will smash it xxx
£30
Will Gallimore
What a lovely cause and a lovely man your Dad is. I have such fond memories of him and all your family growing up. Good luck you will be amazing. xxx
£21.84
Lucy Gallimore
Good luck Helen!!! Sending my love to all of your family!!! Xx
