John ELLISON

Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK

Parkinson’s is a complex brain condition that has no cure and gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety. And Parkinson's is on the rise. Someone is diagnosed every 20 minutes in the UK today. By 2050, the number of people with Parkinson’s worldwide will double to 25 million.

Hi I'm John, I'm 40 years old and, 17 months ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. The day I was diagnosed changed everything. The diagnosis took less than 10 minutes, I was given a prescription for a drug I knew nothing about, and told to go look at the PD leaflets at the end of the corridor. From then, the support from the medical side of things, has been horrendous. No communication., lack of understanding, no appointments, not enough Parkinson’s nurses - the list goes on. I am finally now receiving support from a fantastic, understanding Consultant but I have had to fight for this support. I am a Chef and, having a tremor is not easy to navigate whilst working, and day to day tasks can be frustrating due to ny tremor, weakness in one arm and tiredness. However, I am positive and I am determined not to let this beat me!!  On Sunday 10th May, I am running the Leeds Marathon in aid of Parkinson’s Disease. I am running to not only prove to myself that I am strong enough physically and mentally, but to also raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s UK and Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (people diagnosed under 50 years old). Parkinson's UK have been a lifeline for myself and my partner Louise. They have helped us in so many ways and without them, I'm not sure what hope we would have right now. Parkinson's Disease does not get the publicity it needs, does not have enough awareness, Nurses, resources and much more. I want to run on Sunday to show that being diagnosed with Parkinson’s does not mean the end. There have been so many positives, mainly through our connections with Parkinson's UK, and I will keep going, putting one foot forward, to raise as much awareness as I can. PD won't beat me.

Thank you for reading and for your support., Any donations, however small, will be gratefully received 

John