Julie Ballantyne

Why we are fundraising for Parkinson's UK

Last August, I lost my mum after she had bravely lived with Parkinson's for almost 20 years. Although she sadly passed away due to lymphoma, Parkinson's had shaped so much of her life and ours. Through it all, she faced every challenge with remarkable courage, resilience and determination and never once lost her sense of fun.

On Sunday 20th September, my wife Lize and I will be taking on the Edinburgh Women's 10K together in Mum's memory. We'll be starting and finishing side by side, and while Lize has run a 10K before, this will be my first.

Parkinson's took so much from Mum over the years, but it never took away her spirit. By running together and fundraising for Parkinson's UK, we're hoping to give something back so that future families can benefit from better treatments and, one day, a cure.

Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and because everyone experiences it differently, every journey is unique. In the UK, someone is diagnosed every 20 minutes.

That's why Parkinson's UK is so important. The charity supports people and families every step of the way, funds groundbreaking research into new treatments and a cure, and campaigns for better health and care for everyone living with Parkinson's.

If you're able to support our fundraising, no matter how big or small the donation, it would mean the world to us. Every donation helps Parkinson's UK continue its incredible work while also honouring Mum's memory.

Thank you so much for your kindness and support.