Log in
Login

Megan Keogh

Walk for Parkinson's 100 mile challenge 2025

Help me reach my goal of £100

My activity tracking

119
miles

My target 100 miles

Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK

I’m taking part in Walk for Parkinson’s 100 Mile Challenge to help fund specialist care for people with Parkinson’s.

I'm uniting with thousands of others, all passionate about improving life for people with Parkinson’s - myself included 

Help be the change for all those suffering with this life changing condition! 

Please help me
reach my goal

Raised

£855 + £ 155 GiftAid

My Goal

£100

Select amount to donate

£20
£30
£50
£
Donate

My achievements

Upload a picture

Upload a post

Raise £50

Raise £100

Walk 50 miles

Walk 100 miles

My updates

20th may

Tuesday 20th May
Walking seems to be my new saviour for all my symptoms. It’s helping me feel refreshed energised and less foggy. This challenge is certainly being that Pick me up I needed. I have a few miles to update on this page, but I am reaching over 85 now. I had a slow weekend this weekend where a kind of wanted to put the urgency to walk on the back burner And just take it a little bit more relaxed, which did me the world of good in terms of stopping for a moment, but honestly tiredness has sunk in and I definitely felt that Monday struggle. So I was back to it first thing Monday and today too. It has been a great success so far, it’s definitely something I will continue doing post challenge a little less urgency but definitely a need for it

Wednesday 14th

Wednesday 14th May
I am now just shy of 70 miles! 

My body feels great, I feel healthy, I am determined and incredibly focused. 

Hopefully creating a habit that continues. 

So far I’m feeling overwhelmed with love and support thank you x

Feeling amazing!

Friday 9th May
Whether it’s my new kick of medication, or the fact I’m now walking every single day without fail (multiple times), I’m feeling great for it. And I’m totally here for it, willing this feeling to stick around.

I’m motivated, focused, energised and HAPPY. 

I’m up-to 45 miles now and it’s only the 9th of the month. I really do believe I’m setting myself new habits, reaching 10,000 steps feels good. Inside and out. 

So grateful for all the support and encouragement. Your donations are incredibly kind x

How it’s going so far

Wednesday 7th May
When I set out to begin this challenge I thought it would be easy! 

3 miles a day
Bish - Bash - Bosh…

My reality is, unlike many with Parkinson’s I am young onset, only 34 years old. With a 6 year old daughter and still working 2 jobs. 

Not to say this wouldn’t be challenging for everyone to fit in, but my time is restricted. 

So how am I upping my miles? 

Let’s take Tuesday the 6th as an example, my working day began at 6:45am, teaching a one to one yoga class, I parked further from the house and made up some steps. I started work at 8am-2pm, I walked the block on my lunch just over 1 mile. After work school run & dentist meant I couldn’t walk to pick Ada up so I drove and lapped the block twice.  We then went on a bike ride around the block before I left for work again on the evening. My miles for Tuesday totalled 8.51…

That’s an example of my busy day and I’m working hard to form a new walking habit. 

On more spacious days it’s dog walks, step workouts or walking with friends & family. Whom have all been incredibly supportive.

I’m loving this challenge so far! 
The total I’ve clocked is different to what’s filtered on here… 

TOTAL = 32.3 miles / 100 YAY

Thank you for your donations your incredible too xx 

The first two days!

Saturday 3rd May
Pushing the boundaries and simply getting up and getting out! 

There is something not quite connecting with my watch to page so my completed miles show less on here. 

Calculating my miles so far I’m upto around 8.26 miles. 

This weekend I plan to have several longer woodland walks with my family too, let’s see how far I can take them little legs! 

Thank you for all the support & donations so far x 

The why…

Monday 28th Apr
It’s out there now, that I have Parkinson’s. 

But I wanted to share a little background about my diagnosis and my why for doing this challenge. 

Which will be my 1st of many!

When finding out I was pregnant with my now almost 7-year-old daughter it was of course a beautiful and magical time of my life. But with pregnancy bought some slight neurological issues such as leg tremorous and hip/pelvis issues. These were regularly mentioned to the midwife, but nothing ever came of it apart from monitoring my pelvic pain which did result in difficulty walking in the 3rd trimester.

I noticed small changes in the first two years of my daughter’s life, little things like struggling with keys in doors, a slowness/delay when clapping, and ongoing tremors to my left side. This all lead me to having neurological tests and MRI scans just before Covid. 

The results of this were pretty much a result of we don’t know what’s wrong with you so here’s a diagnosis of FND (Functional Neurological Disorder)…

For the next couple of years I had online group sessions and one-to-ones with mental health clinics. Almost depicting whether this all stemmed from a mental health issue. This was frustrating, even more so when I didn't feel myself improving. 

Every person/Dr/nurse/consultant wanted a repeat of my story, like they didn't have a clue either!

When My daughter turned 4, we got two small sister puppies - at the same time crazy I know, plus we also moved house oh, and on my daughter’s actual birthday in a heatwave - WHIRLWIND! 

The next two years in our new home I noticed significant changes to my symptoms. I sometimes felt really depressed, I was observed, quiet, my mind blanked, I got really frustrated and angry. I was walking and moving slowly and stiffly. And my left side would constantly tremor in my hand and foot, To the point where it was uncomfortable and sometimes painful. I couldn't dress my daughter, socks were impossible, hair was painfully awkward and I was noticing changes in my writing, typing and talking.

During this time I was discharged from the Phycological/Mental Health hospital and had physiotherapy and occupational therapy, it was my physiotherapist that picked up on smaller tasks becoming more difficult so she would set up activities for me to do, like putting paper clips into a mug and taking them back out. I wondered why at the time she was doing these little tests, all I was thinking was that it was all pointless, more frustrating and a waste of my time. But this physiotherapist was in fact my saviour, and she’s definitely the reason my diagnosis came so quickly soon after. 

We both agreed to go back to the start and have MRIs and neurological tests again. Because something wasn't right and I was continuously saying that this cannot be FND! She was in fact a Parkinson's specialist and she knew, but didn't want to ring alarm bells too soon - hence the paper clip tests.

This process felt rapid to be honest, I now look back and know they all knew what I had but nobody was telling me.

Fast forward to Summer 2024 I was asked by the consultant if I was worried about what it may be, I said could this be Parkinson’s, surely I’m far too young for that! So to reassure me he booked me in for a DAT scan, which is basically the confirmation of dopamine levels in the brain, the results will confirm Parkinson’s along with face to face tests which I did. I knew I was failing them, but I still wasn't convinced. DENIAL.

Towards the end of September, I received a letter - Yes, a letter! Confirming the DAT Results showed lack of dopamine levels, and my diagnosis was young onset Parkinson’s. 

I don’t need to tell anyone how painful this moment was. My husband was helping install some cameras to our home with a friend when I opened that letter and I waited until he was alone to show him, it was like an outer body experience. We were in complete shock, the amount of times I broke down in tears those next few months is uncountable. 

I felt like everybody around me was treating me like I was going to die tomorrow and that’s kind of how I felt. This is all a story for another time...

It took around 3 months for tears to subside, to have small conversations without break downs. It was vital for me to tell everybody possible, hiding my diagnosis didn't help. The support both privately and medically was incredible. My Parkinson's nurse is a hero! It's true, the support network around this disease is overwhelming and beautiful.

It is still so early, I am on medication and I am learning about what I have more and more each day. I am more inviting of conversations, help and support day to day.

My consultant said;

"Megan this will not kill you, you are an advocate. Your strength and resilience will show. This disease can be managed and controlled, you will live a happy - long life still" - I sure do hope so, I am treasuring that and that is my motivation alongside my family & friends. 

So why walk 100?
It's Spring, I have two pups that love the fields. Myself and my daughter love a woodland walk. I meet up with friends & family often to get up & get out. So why not tie this in to a challenge, one that is going to fund something now extremely close to my heart. 

It is my motivation to continue moving, to get up - get out and exercise! It is something I can do across the month to build on, I am determined to calculate OVER 100 miles, I am not sure how I’ll manage but I’ll try and I know you will help/encourage me.

So let's do this.
I have got this.

Thank you to my sponsors

£10

Laura Witcomb

Good luck Megan :), looks like you're already doing great!!

£20

Joanne Hudson And Mud Hudson

I know youve already achieved it but heres a small donation to a fabulous cause. You’re so so positive all the time and one of the nicest people I know and im gutted youve been dealt this hand but its because youre stronger than anyone and will cope just perfectly with it. Love ya meg x

£10

Wenfy Frary

Well done and keep going! Get that app downloaded and start collecting some medals!

£20

Jo Hambleton

Well done Megan! You’re a true warrior x

£10

Jayne Powderhill

£10

Martin Jones

Keep going 👊

£5

Jessica Watkins

🩷 well done Megan

£30

Tom Croydon

Keep up the great work, Megan!

£10

Jayne Greatrex

£10

Karen Homer

£30

Ann Smith

The way you have dealt with your diagnosis is a credit to you and shows how strong a person you are. sending all love to you and your family.

£10

Jane W

Good luck Megan! We are all behind you and thinking of you x

£5

Anna K

Well done Meg! My grandad had Parkinson’s, as did my great uncle, and my uncle has been recently diagnosed. You are doing so well. Keep positive and keep moving forward.

£10

Anonymous

£20

Emma Price

Well done Megan - smashing the mile count 👏🎉 xx

£10

Carolyn Hall

Good luck Megan! My dad had Parkinsons so I'm very happy to be able to support you.

£20

Janette W Yoga

£10

Jen C Yoga

£50

Xander Hogan

£20

Chris Baugh

Meg you are an inspiration to us all xxx

£20

Joanne Measures

Go Girl

£10

Gillian Evans

Best wishes to you Megan, we think you are amazing.

£50

Mark Rigby

Megan- I have always viewed you as a bright light of positivity- and this shows it. Congratulations on turning what must have been a difficult time into a super power that you will conquer. Love from The Rigbys x

£20

Marie Young

Keep your face towards the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind. Love Marie

£50

Robert Bruce

Good luck

£20

Margaret Whiffin

You are a true inspiration Meg.

£50

Carl Binnion & Paul Hearle

What an amazing start to your challenge, so proud of you, and a very deserving cause.

£10

Claire Sezer

You’re an inspiration. Well done to you x

£40

Allison Fincham

Enjoy the walking, you’re an inspiration xxx

£5

Gina Yoga

£20

Cathy Calnan

You’ve got this Meg, you’re a true inspiration and beautiful soul. We’re all behind you 💖

£10

Lisa Charles

Your doing amazing megan , stay strong ! Lots of love , Lisa & John xxx

£10

Leane Brewer

You got this Megan!

£10

Rachael Morgan

You’ve got this Meg 💪💜

£10

Jo Wood

Enjoy the beautiful outdoors Meg! We all support you all the way!

£20

Anonymous

You are an inspiration and a warrior Meg ❤️

£10

Carol Heath

Your positive attitude is a superpower. Good luck and best wishes

£20

Katie Dunne

Your amazing!

£20

Carrie Howard

Good luck Megan, you are truly inspirational ❤️ xx

£10

Alice Richmond

Well done, Megan, and good luck! Alice and family X

£20

Sharon Collier-smith

You go girl! Much love

£35

Andrea Harris

Well done Meg 🩷 love from Andrea and Lee xx

£10

Kelly Cheneler

What an absolute trooper you are Megan. You will smash the 100 miles and we're all behind you. You have so much support. 🥰

£5

Carina Kerridge

You’re an inspiration! Sending love xx

£20

Debbie Gillett

For My Meg and My Auntie Barbs xx

£5

Christina King

You’ll be amazing at this!

£20

Julie & Gareth

Megan we are so proud of you we hope that one day soon a cure will be found for this awful disease. Keep smiling Love Mom & Dad xx

£5

Lea Sandford

You can do this ❤️ your an inspiration ❤️