Joanne Simmons

Apparently, if you ask me to do something, I’ll probably say yes. Even if it’s something I really dislike.

I know I said I'd never run again... but...

On Sunday 25 April 2027, I’ll be running the London Marathon for Parkinson’s UK, alongside my brother Michael and my cousin Julie.

We were incredibly lucky to get places with Parkinson's UK. There were over 2,000 applicants for just 283 spots and somehow all three of us got in.

If you followed my journey to the New York City Marathon, you’ll know how much I hated the training. I did love race day, at least until about mile 20 when I wanted to give up and could feel my toenails falling off. Afterwards I told myself I’d only ever run another marathon if I had people to run it with.

Of course, I never thought that would actually happen, otherwise I wouldn’t have said it! I even have video of me saying that if I ever say I’m going to run the London Marathon, then slap me. So I guess I’ve given permission for a lot of slaps.

My Dad passed away in July 2026 after living with Parkinson’s and I can’t think of a better reason to take on another ridiculous challenge, especially with my brother and cousin running it too.

Dad was a gentle man. He was quiet, kind and never wanted to make a fuss or put anyone out. Even as Parkinson’s progressed and things became increasingly difficult, he rarely complained. He just got on with it.

Before he died, Dad made the decision to donate his brain to the Parkinson’s UK Brain Bank, where it will be used for research into Parkinson’s and other related conditions. Even after he was gone, he was still doing something that might help someone else.

I think that says a lot about who he was.

And this is our way of carrying on his legacy. Dad gave what he could to help research move forward and I’m doing what I can too. I desperately want us to find a cure, so that one day other families don’t have to watch someone they love go through what Dad did.

So, here we go again. Another 26.2 miles and several months of me complaining (I apologize in advance).

So many of you have supported me through the various ridiculous things I’ve done to raise money for Parkinson’s research over the years, from climbing Kilimanjaro to running the New York City Marathon, and I don’t take that support for granted. If you’d like to support me again, or for the first time, I’d be incredibly grateful.

And I'll try to keep the complaining to a reasonable level.

No promises, though.

Your donations will support Parkinson’s UK’s work funding research into new treatments, campaigning for better health and care and providing support for people living with Parkinson’s and their families.