Karen Wilcox

Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page! I’m taking part in the 2027 TCS London Marathon for Parkinson’s UK on Sunday 25 April and would really appreciate your support! 

When I think about why I’m running the London Marathon, there is one person who immediately comes to mind — my Granda.

Granda was my inspiration.

He didn’t start running until he was in his 50s, but that didn’t stop him from going on to run three marathons. He loved running and swimming, and I always admired the determination and strength he had to take on new challenges, no matter what age he was.

He used to say to me when running:

“Don’t stop. Slow down, but never stop.”

Those words have stayed with me.

Granda was so much more than a runner. He was fun, outgoing and adventurous. He was brave, strong and incredibly loving. He could turn his hand to anything and was the kind of person who would do absolutely anything for anyone. He had a real zest for life and was always willing to give things a go.

So, when I decided to run the London Marathon, it felt only natural that I would do it in his memory.

Parkinson’s changed so much

Granda was diagnosed with Parkinson’s during a hospital admission. He was started on medication, but by the time he was diagnosed, his disease was already quite advanced.

Sadly, he passed away less than a year later, just after his 92nd birthday.

Watching someone you love go through something like Parkinson’s makes you realise how much there is to the condition that people may not see or understand.

Before Granda’s diagnosis, Parkinson’s was something I knew of, but I didn’t really understand it. Experiencing it through someone I loved made me want to learn more — and, importantly, to help other people understand it too.

Why Parkinson’s UK?

That is why I’ve chosen to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.

I want to help raise awareness of Parkinson’s, the different symptoms people can experience and the impact it can have not only on the person living with the condition, but also on their families and the people who care for them.

When many people hear the word Parkinson’s, they might immediately think of a tremor. But Parkinson’s can affect people in many different ways, and symptoms can include difficulties with movement, balance, sleep, speech, mood and many other aspects of everyday life.

I also want to highlight the support that is available. A Parkinson’s diagnosis can be frightening and overwhelming, but people living with Parkinson’s and their families don't have to face it alone. There is information, advice, practical support and a community available to help people navigate life with the condition.

Don’t stop. Slow down, but never stop.

Running a marathon is going to be one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever taken on.

There will undoubtedly be times during training, and probably on marathon day itself, when my legs are tired, when it hurts and when I wonder why on earth I decided to do this!

But I’ll think of Granda.

I’ll hear his voice telling me:

“Don’t stop. Slow down, but never stop.”

And I’ll keep going.

Every mile will be for him. For the man who inspired me to run. The man who showed me that you can take on challenges at any age. The man who loved running, loved swimming, loved adventure and, most importantly, loved his family.

I feel incredibly proud to be running the London Marathon in his memory.

If I can raise money and awareness along the way, then every difficult training run, every early morning and every mile on marathon day will be worth it.

I hope that by sharing Granda’s story, I can help more people understand Parkinson’s and the reality of living with it. And I hope that the money raised can help Parkinson’s UK continue to support people and families affected by the condition, while working towards a better future for everyone living with Parkinson’s.

So, Granda, this one’s for you.

26.2 miles. One very special reason.

And I promise…

I’ll slow down if I need to, but I won’t stop ❤️