Katy Cuddington

Katy is running the Great North Run for Parkinson's UK

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page! I’m taking part in the Great North Run on 8th September 2024 to raise vital funds for Parkinson's UK. 

In 2022 I had burnout, which affected me mentally and physically. I was off work for three months, absolutely exhausted, and felt broken. After taking a long time to heal and repair, and rebuild myself throughout 2023, at the start of 2024 I felt ready to challenge myself. Soooo I signed up for the Great North Run!

It will physically and mentally challenge me, and it will be hard. 

My Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's 10 years ago. It was a huge shock to all of us, but we continue to be amazed by his determination to lead as full and active life as he can. We feel extremely lucky that he has incredible support from local charities, his family, friends, and, of course, Parkinson's UK, which does such vital work in raising awareness and providing essential aid to those living with Parkinson's, and their loved ones.

My Dad has always been very active and in 1981 he ran a phenomenal 3 hour 11 minute marathon - armed with a stop watch, wrist watch and some paper with his lap splits on. He undertook his training while working full time, and with a young family at home.  His dedication and passion for sport and keeping active continues to inspire me.

While I will never come close to my Dad's phenomenal sub 3 hour 11 minute marathon time from 1981, his passion for sport and keeping active continues to inspire me and all my family, which is why I have pledged to follow a training plan and to run the Great North Run (all 13.1 miles) in its entirety on Sunday 8th September 2024. I know it won't be easy - however, living with Parkinson's isn't easy either, and by setting myself this challenge, it will remind me of the daily challenges that my Dad, and others with Parkinson's encounter every day. 

When I signed up to this, I could run 5km (just over 3 miles) a few times a week. I’ve been training hard since the end of March, and by following a plan, I’ve been able to increase my distance.  I’m now able to run 10miles, but there’s still that last 3 miles to go - and I’d love to do it without any stops!!!

Please help by sponsoring me whatever you can. All the money raised will go to Parkinson’s UK , to provide much-needed advice, support and information for people who are living with the condition, as well as to fund pioneering research to drive forward new treatments for Parkinson's.