Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page! I’m taking part in the TCS 2025 London Marathon for Parkinson’s UK and would really appreciate your support!
This is a challenge that could possibly be a step or a jog too far for me but I am determined to get to the start line and complete the 26.2 miles to raise money for Parkinson's UK.
My lovely husband lives with Parkinson's every day and he suffers times every day where he is off. This not only makes him physically slow and difficult for him to move but actually makes him feel really ill with an internal feeling of terrible dread and not able to complete even the simplest of tasks.
Parkinson's symptoms are different for every person. Many people have an image of Parkinson's as an elderly person with the shakes, but that is a stereotypical image and does not even begin to touch the underlying 40 symptoms that people with Parkinson's can suffer - these can include bowel issues, depression, mobility issues, sleep issues, anxiety, stiff and inflexible muscles, memory problems and pain.
It can also affect people under 50 which is known as early onset Parkinson's.
It is a degenerative disease and at the moment there is no cure.
The medicines that are used to treat Parkinson's are mainly the same medicines that were developed in the 60's/70's. These cause their own problems with side effects and eventually they will stop working. There are some newer medicines available but aren't always suitable. There are, however, many new innovations and exciting research which give hope. This is part of my why for wanting to raise money to hopefully find a way to make my hubby's life easier and give him and other people with Parkinson's a brighter future to look forward to.
The other part of my why - I have challenged myself to do this is because I watch my husband every day, he is really positive and upbeat, every day can have its challenges for him. Even then he is always there for myself and our daughter, he never gives up or gives in. So that will be my mantra while training and when running the 26.2 miles - never give up, never give in.
Please help me to help people with Parkinson's and my husband by donating to fund the research and innovations to find the best and most effective treatments possible and hopfefully one day in the not too distant future a cure!
Please Please donate whatever you can afford even if it is a very small amount it all adds up. - Thank you
Thank you to my sponsors
£50
Fiona Macdougall
£10
Margery Gutteridge
£20
Karen Mcdonald
Christine, thank you so much for your kind donation. I really appreciate it x
£20
Karen Mcdonald
Nora, thank you so much for your kind donation. I really appreciate it x
£50
Karen Mcdonald
Maxi and Margaret, thank you so much for your kind donation, I really appreciate it x
£10
Karen Mcdonald
Jim Cannon, thank you so much for your kind donation it is much appreciated x
£20
Caroline Francis
Huge Congratulations from Caroline & the team at Hays Travel Falkirk 🎉🎉🎉
£20
Jack & Heather
£20
Lynn Fisher
Well done Karen.Awesome ❤️
£20
Hugh Hunter
£26.20
Steven Mitchell
Fantastic - well done Karen 🎉 Love from Alison ❤️xx
£40
Colin, Hayley & Shay
You're an inspiration Karen. You can can do it!! 💪💪
£20
Paula Ferguson
Go Karen!!! So proud of you & all of your family. Love & support today & in the future. Paula & Nick x
£20
Melissa Davidson
Wishing you the best of luck for the marathon Karen! You are an inspiration and have put in so much hard work over the past couple of months. Enjoy tomorrow, it is your victory lap! 👏🥳
£30
Phil & Margaret
Good luck!
£100
Laney N Noni Xxx
Hey Our Beautiful Vintage Bud! What an inspiration You are! Whatever happens at The Marathon, YOU are already a WINNER! So proud of you, and Jane too! YOU GOT THIS GIRLS! Big Luvs, Hugs n Screams of Joy from Us, Cheering you Both every step of the way! 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
£20
Nicola Riddell
You will absolutely smash this 😊 So proud of you
£25
Rachel
Wishing you all the best for the Marathon Karen. We are in awe of you training to do this. Love Rachel, Mark, Emma & Richard xxx
£20
Karen Mcdonald
Mairia Allison, thank you so much for your kind donation. I really appreciate it x
£100
Karen Mcdonald
Diane and Neil, Thank you so much for your kind donation. I really appreciate it. x
£20
Karen Mcdonald
Kate Young, Thank you so much for your kind donation. I really appreciate it. x
£100
Liam & Tessa
You go girl! What a fantastic thing to do and we’re with you every step of the way (metaphorically at least!! 😂)
£50
William Macdougall
Incredible , good luck from Bill and Bridie
£20
Paul & Gerry Mcgrane
Good luck for the run!
£30
Paul Cantley
Best of luck Karen. I guess the suffering endured during a marathon pales when you compare it to living with Parkinson’s.
£25
Joanna, Jack & Jackson
Hi Karen. Wishing you all the best for Sunday. You’ll smash it! Lots of love, Joanna, Jack & Jackson xx
£20
Corey Mckinlay
Hope This helps Karen! Look forward to hearing all about it. I’m sure you’ll smash it!
£52
Surinder Bassan
Hi Karen Whilst sending birthday wishes to a friend on Isle of Skye I came across your fb entries. Really sorry to hear Steve has PD. Can't imagine him like that. He used to be super fit. Well done for taking on the challenge of marathon. As we can see with all your training you have already achieved Be sure we will becheeringyou on the day Best wishes Surinder & Jenny
£20
Linda Condie
Best wishes and praying for you. You have already achieved so much personally and also for Parkinson’s Uk - Go Karen 👏
£20
Sheila Pearce
Best of luck Karen xx
£20
Colin Law
Karen, you are inspirational !
£20
Karen Mcdonald
Button and Roy, thank you so much for your kind donation, I really appreciate it x
£10
Kathleen Rouse
Good luck Karen I’m sure you’ll smash it
£10
Janice Mcbride
This is such an amazing thing to do. You are one inspirational lady!!!!!
£10
Karen Mcdonald
Karina, thank you so much for your kind donation. I really appreciate it x
£30
Karen Mcdonald
Jeanne and Edwin, thank you so much for your kind donation. I really appreciate it x
£20
Emilie Tennant
Good luck Karen! Go smash it xx
£20
Louise Quadrelli
Go Karen! You'll smash it . Louise xx
£10
Donna Pass
Good luck Karen and enjoy the experience
£20
Franzi Scheithauer
Karen and Jane, wishing you both the best of luck and an amazing and memorable day. Go girls! You've got this!!
£10
Emma Neilson
Good luck Karen, what an inspiration!
£26
Peter Duffy
Good luck and hope the legs and feet aren't to sore after the race.
£20
Glen Gardiner
£10
Sam Shaw
Good luck Karen - you were the first person who welcomed me when I joined Scottish Canals and I still appreciate how friendly you were!
£20
Steven Lindsay
👏👏👏👏🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
£20
Darren Donaldson
Good luck Karen. An amazing achievement for an amazing lady!
£20
Louise Setchfield
Good luck Karen you will smash it. xx
£50
Audrey Boyce
You’ve got this! Will be cheering you on pal. Love you Audrey
£26.20
Marie Potter
What an amazing challenge, Karen. All best wishes for the run and love to you and Stephen
£30
Karen Mcdonald
Thank you so much Craig's Nana for your very kind donation. I really appreciate it x
£30
Liz Monro
Go Karen - fab effort for an amazing cause…sure you’ll smash it! Love and very best of luck, Colin & Liz xx
£30
Kerry Monro
Best of luck Karen , you’ll smash it!! Xx
£20
Stuart Boyce
You’ve got this Karen! All the hard work will pay off soon!
£15
Gerry Moore
Good luck from Cians groom
£10
Nicole West
£40
Netta, Tricia, William And Billy
Good luck with the marathon Karen, cheers
£20
Gillian Frickleton
Best of luck Karen. You are not the giving in or giving up kind of gal. You will do it! xx
£10
Kelowna Dickson
Best of luck Karen 💕
£20
Jenna Frickleton
Best of luck Karen, you will smash it!!🩷
£30
Mandy Lang
Good luck Karen, you’ll smash it
£10
Lauren Hunter
Good luck!
£50
Kirsty Mcdonald
So proud of you mum, you’ll smash it xx
£10
Karen Mcdonald
Thank you so much Carron for your kind donation I really appreciate it xxx
£30
Karen Mcdonald
Thank you Mum for your donation, really appreciate it xxx
£100
Karen Mcdonald
Thank you for your Donation Mum l really appreciate it xxxx
£30
Ann Mclean
An immense challenge - all the very best for your training and for the big day. I'm sure Jane will make sure you get to the finish line in style. Maybe we can all meet up again at the Elie sauna again to celebrate your success when it's all done and dusted! Go for it, you are amazing 🤩
£20
Anonymous
Best of luck Karen! A great cause.
£100
Elaine Urquhart
So proud of you Karen. Best of luck. Will be with you every single mile. Brilliant cause. 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️
£30
Gill Whyte
Good luck Karen, you will be brilliant xx
£50
Timothy Horscroft
Well done Karen. Will be thinking of you on the day.
£20
Sharon Wright
I believe!! You got this. Good luck!!
£20
Stuart Sharp
All the best for a successful marathon run. Best wishes, Stuart
£20
Joanne Robinson
Good luck with the training Karen, I'm sure you will smash it 💪 You are an inspiration as is Steve.. Sending love and best wishes Jo and Ian xx
£30
Rebekah & Iain
Good luck Karen! You are doing amazing! 🤩
£25
Fiona Jc
Go, little cuz!
£30
The Forlow’s
Good luck Karen! Don’t envy you but what a fantastic cause❤️!
£20
Lesley Wood
Good luck Karen x
£20
Karen Mcdonald
Thank you so much Mary Donaldson for your very kind donation it is very much appreciated!
£26
Martin Mccloskey
£10
Karen Mcdonald
Thank you so much ELIZABETH for your kind donation. I really appreciate it!
£20
Karen Mcdonald
Thank you so much NAN for your kind donation, I really appreciate it!
£50
The Greens
What a challenge!! Hope the training journey gives you strength, resilience and hope for the big event. Sending you big 'woohoo's for every day along the way and all the Parkinson's Heroes who will benefit from your fundraising ❤
£155
Karen Mcdonald
Many thanks to my line manager, colleagues and suppliers at the Falkirk Wheel for organising, donating prizes and buying tickets for a raffle to raise money to support my Marathon attempt for Parkinson's UK. I really appreciate your efforts and I am so so grateful for the amount you raised for me.
£30
Karen Mcdonald
Many thanks to Mum, Graham and Kirsty for donating your Christmas day winnings
£20
Anonymous
£50
Vincent Szmaites
Vince & Nina wish you aw ra best. go Karen!
£10
Anonymous
Best of luck!
£26
Tom Noble
Go Karen!!! Best of luck! 🤞🏻👏🏻
£20
Fiona Dixon
Good luck Karen ! You will smash this you are amazing as is Steve. Fx
£20
Tony Timms
£50
Lauren Macdougall
Good luck Karen, what a brilliant thing to do. You’ll smash it xxx
£50
Gordon, Emma, Brianna And Theo 🐶
Good luck Karen and mum you guys will smash it 🙌❤️
£100
Markl
Good luck with all that training, it’ll be worth it!
£25
Bob James
Karen, go girl and hope you and Steve enjoy ☺️ your new year celebrations?!
£10
Anonymous
Well done Karen, I’m sure you will achieve this
£26
Douglas Allan
Good luck Karen, that’s a long way!
£20
Fiona Lapworth
Good luck with the training Karen , the Marathon is your victory Lap so just embrace it and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s an amazing experience, the crowd will carry you !
£20
Sandra Knight
Well done to both of you, Karen great challenge and Steven you are a survivor living the best life you can with chronic stuff it’s all we can do Onwards and upwards 💪🏻
£100
Elaine U
Incredible!!! What an amazing cause. Can’t wait to follow your journey. Well done Karen. Much love. Xx
£50
Ann, Gordon, Jasmine And Samuel Xxxx
Amazing Karen! Good luck with your training lots of love Ann, Gordon, Jasmine and Samuel xxxx
£50
Joan ❤️xxx
I am so proud of you, Karen. With your commitment, you will smash it. ❤️
£20
Zarah Swain
What an inspiration. I know you'll be absolutely brilliant! Best of luck xx
£50
Hazel Robertson
Well done, Karen, for promoting awareness of Parkinson's and raising funds for this worthy cause. Good luck with training for the challenge, I'm sure you'll smash it! Xx
£250
Steven Mcdonald
Good luck and thank you - it's a team thing Not all Parkinson's heroes have Parkinson's 💙
Huge congratulations Karen, a brilliant achievement for a great cause. Well done you (and Jane). Lots of love, Fiona