Josie McNamara

HERE WE GO!

I turn 50 this year, and to celebrate I’ve signed up for the London Marathon. 🎉

I am not a runner and I don’t even really like running! But one Sunday morning in April, sitting on the sofa with a cup of tea watching the marathon, it suddenly seemed like a great way to challenge myself in my 50th year so I signed up for the ballot there and then.

Fast forward a few months and I got a call from Parkinson’s UK offering me a place on their team. I’ve just finished Couch to 5K and there’s a long way to go between 5K and 26.2 miles. But if you don’t run your first marathon at 50, then when? 😂

Why Parkinson’s UK

I chose Parkinson’s UK because of the work we do at Northern Powerhouse Boxing Academy with people living with Parkinson’s. Every Friday I help coach a session for them and it’s always a high point of my week.

We started the group in November 2025 and it filled up very quickly. Every week our "Valley Shakers" (as they named the group) turn up and give it everything, whatever kind of day their Parkinson’s is giving them. Watching their progress has been brilliant and the friendships and laughter in that room have made it much more than an exercise class.

None of this would have happened without Parkinson’s UK. Their funding helped us set up the session in the first place and the local Parkinson’s branch helps us keep our two hour session and social affordable for everyone who comes.

Giving something back

Parkinson’s is a really complex condition, with more than 40 symptoms that can affect every part of a person’s life. There’s no cure yet, but the money raised for Parkinson’s UK helps fund research into better treatments and as well as support for people living with the condition and their families.

If I’ve learned anything in the last year, it’s how important exercise is for people with Parkinson’s. It’s a vital part of managing the condition, improves quality of life and may help slow its progression.

If you can spare a small donation, thank you! Either way, tune in on race day and you never know, you might make the mistake of signing up too! 😂