Lauren Walker

If you've found your way to this page, you're probably wondering one of three things:

1) "Lauren is running the London Marathon? Really?"

2) Whether my surname means I've accidentally entered the wrong event.

3) "How much can I donate to watch her suffer for 26.2 miles?"

Unfortunately, despite years of carrying the surname 'Walker' I've decided that simply walking 26.2 miles wasn't ambitious enough. So next year I'll be attempting to run the London Marathon, which feels a bit like betraying generations of family branding. Lastly, the answer to the third question is as much as you like!

Jokes aside, I'm taking on this challenge for someone incredibly special to me: my nan.

Earlier this year, my nan was diagnosed with Parkinson's, and like many families, we've been learning more about the condition and the impact it can have on everyday life. It's a diagnosis that has affected all of us, and it's one of the main reasons I've chosen to support Parkinson's UK.

My nan isn't just my nan. She helped raise me and has been one of the most important people in my life from the very beginning.

She's been there for every milestone, every celebration, every challenge, and every occasion in between. From school plays and birthdays to graduations, first jobs, and all those moments that shape who you become, she's always been right there cheering me on. She has been a constant source of love, support, encouragement, and probably the occasional piece of unsolicited advice that turned out to be absolutely right.

No matter what life has thrown at me, I've always known my nan would be there. She has given so much to me and now I want to do something that gives back in her honour.

That's why I've signed up for the London Marathon.

Will it be easy? Absolutely not.

There will be early alarms, rainy training runs, aching legs, and moments where I question every life decision that led me to voluntarily run for several hours straight. There will almost certainly be blisters. There may be tears. There will definitely be complaints.

But whenever training gets tough, I'll think about my nan.

I'll think about her strength, her resilience, and everything she's done for me throughout my life. Compared to what she faces, a few sore legs and long runs don't seem quite so daunting.

I'm also running to support the incredible work of Parkinson's UK. They provide vital support, information, and advice to people living with Parkinson's and their families, while funding ground-breaking research to improve treatments and work towards a cure.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help make a difference and will give me that extra motivation when I'm 18 miles into a training run wondering why "Walker" didn't automatically qualify me for a discount.

Thank you for supporting me, supporting Parkinson's UK, and helping me do something meaningful for a woman who has spent her life supporting everyone around her.

This marathon is for you, Nan. ❤️

If you're able to donate, I'd be incredibly grateful. Every pound raised will help Parkinson's UK continue their amazing work supporting people and families affected by Parkinson's. 💙🏃‍♀️