Why I'm fundraising for Parkinson's UK
Thank you for visiting my page - I’m taking part in my first ever marathon to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK and I would really appreciate your support!
My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in May 2022 . Since then, my family has been on a journey learning all about this progressive neurological disease and the ways in which it impacts day-to-day life.
Throughout this journey, Parkinson’s UK has been an amazing resource for our family. By providing information on symptoms, progression and drug therapies, they have helped my dad access medical treatment to slow down the progression of the disease so that he can continue to lead a full and independent life for as long as possible. As well as sharing knowledge and assistance, the community of informed nurses and other families involved with Parkinson’s UK has given us a support network which has been invaluable when coming to terms with the diagnosis and keeping us uplifted for the future.
There is currently no cure, but by sponsoring me today, all the money raised will be directly funding Parkinson’s UK’s mission to “find a cure and improve life for the Parkinson's community”, enabling them to continue supporting families like mine and funding breakthroughs.
My updates
Woah, we're halfway there!
Tuesday 4th Feb
On Sunday, I laced up for another long run in prep for my marathon in April. Only at the end of this training session, I would be getting a medal!
This Heaton Park half marathon was my second ever race, and an important opportunity to practise race prep and nutrition ahead of the marathon. Previous to this my longest run was 16km, but strangely I wasn’t all that nervous - even with the extra kms I’d have to cover. I definitely have my sister to thank for her supportive coaching and words of wisdom as I entered the day confident I’d be able to complete the race - despite the hilly course and the dreaded lurgy seemingly being all around me last week!
Even with the early start and the chilly temperatures, I really enjoyed the run... which are words I never thought I would be saying if you’d asked me a few years ago! Everyone was in high spirits and the words of encouragement from mum and Charlotte as they stood, wrapped in coats at the sidelines, were most appreciated.
I went into the day simply hoping to complete the race, no stopping, no walking and the time wasn’t important to me. However, I finished with a chip time of 02:32:23 - no world record I know, but a personal victory. This was a whole 5 minutes faster than Emily and I were anticipating, and better yet I finished feeling strong! All in all I am super happy I’ve hit this milestone and even more excited to take on the challenge of the full 42.2kms in April!
I have been overwhelmed with the support for my fundraiser and want to extend my thanks and gratitude for all the donations I’ve received so far. It definitely makes the after work training sessions and long runs in the rain easier to face, knowing it’s all to help an important cause.
Thank you to my sponsors
£10
Alice Hague
£20
Mike, Christine And Lucky
Good luck with your marathon Immy! x
£10
Shanaya Green
WOOHOO!! Go girl!! 🩵🩵🩵
£5
Fart Booger
£100
Pete And Claud
A very good cause Immy, and we're proud of you. Love Pete and Claud
£20
Patricia Walker
Well done you, fantastic effort. X
£20
Roel And Greet
Good luck Imogen!
£50
Mum And Dad
Good luck with all the training! We're very proud of you Lots of love
£30
Rebecca, Evelyn & Alastair
£20
Alice Hague
You’re a mad but super proud!!
£500
Aunty's M
Good luck and may the training go well.
£30
Jo And Neville Short
You will smash it!
£10
Cheryl Cartmell
Good luck Imogen. What an amazing thing to do. I'm sure you will smash it 😊
£50
Andrew Alexander
Best of luck. Keep up your training as per your sister’s instructions.
£30
John Shortmoor
Gooooo, Immy!
£20
Charlotte Mckenna
You’ve got this Immy! Proud of you ❤️
£30
Robin, Mel, And Aud
Go Imogen! You’ve got this!
£5
You’ll smash it! Also as a thanks for helping me with my running!