Mollie Briggs

Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK

On Sunday 12th April, I am running the London Landmarks half marathon. I have chosen to run this for Parkinson’s UK, as this is a disease that sadly affects our family 💙

Tina, Harvey’s mum, was diagnosed just age 43, in 2010. 

Bernie, Harvey’s grandad, was diagnosed 2003, age 65. 

Over the last 10 years, I have witnessed the symptoms that Tina and Bernie have to live with on a daily basis. There are over 40 symptoms associated with Parkinson’s; some of these are visible and some not. 

I personally feel that Parkinson’s is an overlooked disease whereby people think that it just causes ‘shaking’. It is more than this, it has a mental and physical effect on individuals - falls and dizziness, muscle cramps, freezing, bladder and bowel changes, eye changes, fatigue, eating & swallowing difficulty - the list goes on. Please see:

https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information/symptoms

People who suffer with Parkinson’s, may experience different symptoms, not all are the same.

I have seen first hand the efforts that Tina and Bernie contribute to Parkinson’s UK, to help find a cure. Tina is part of the Peterborough committee of Parkinson’s UK, where so much of her free time has been spent helping out with raffles, fundraising events and tirelessly working to assist with finding a cure.

Bernie has hosted several golf days, where he has raised over £50k, taking a lot of time and effort to ensure it runs smoothly, also to help find a cure for this disease. 

I feel it is my time to contribute to help find a cure for Parkinson’s. I want to raise awareness and educate people on the disease. Parkinson’s is the fastest neurological disease in the world and around 166,000 people are living with it in the UK. 

I have seen first hand how this disease has affected my family and I want to help find a cure, it is so much more than just a tremor.

Please see the link to contribute to the event! Many thanks in advance for taking the time to read and sponsor me. 💙