Linda Tostevin

Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page! I’m taking part in the TCS 2026 London Marathon for Parkinson’s UK and would really appreciate your support! 

Back in April 2025, I entered the London Marathon ballot for a 2026 spot, something I had done for a few years previous but had never been successful until June 2025 I received the “congratulations” email. I laughed, I had never run further than 5k and even then I would have walking breaks, so this has been a massive challenge for me but strangely one that I’ve been enjoying.

I joined a beginners running programme in July and ran my first 10k even at the end of August. I now do a weekly run club session, a weekly strength PT session with Lucy at Grounded Fitness Guernsey and also have my online Coach Dan Thomas who has been helping me  with strength workouts, nutrition and a running plan and his advice & encouragement has been invaluable.

I’ve fully invested and committed in training for this Marathon and I’ve been really enjoying seeing the changes I’ve made mentally and physically with it.

I’ve chosen to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK in memory of my dad who passed away in March 2022. Seeing how Parkinson’s affected my dad daily and to see the deterioration in him mentally and physically was sad to see. He had worked hard his whole life to provide for his family and was one of the most generous people I know. Parkinson’s took away his ability to retire and enjoy life and it was heartbreaking.

Please help by sponsoring me with whatever you can. The money raised will help fund groundbreaking research and change the lives of the Parkinson's community.