My activity tracking
996
miles
My target 26 miles
Why I'm running for Parkinson's UK
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page! I’m taking part in the TCS 2025 London Marathon for Parkinson’s UK and would really appreciate your support!
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.
I'm running in memory of my dad, Mike, who lived with Parkinson's until he sadly passed away in 2020.
Parkinson's offered him and my mum, Anne, a lot of support following his diagnosis. Parkinson's UK visited them at home to offer advice and support. Simply knowing Parkinson's UK was there offered both of them a great amount of comfort.
Parkinson's UK created a support network that they were just beginning to tap into prior to the COVID pandemic - they knew they were there and ready to go. The support line was crucial too, offering immediate and practical advice from an empathetic ear who simply understood what was going on.
I could go on, as there were lots of occasions where Parkinson's UK offered support. Fundamentally I want the support, that my parents received, to continue, improve and evolve which will only happen through money raised for the charity.
My updates
Thank you
Friday 4th Apr Thank you to anyone who has donated so far. I have exceeded my target and will look to raise as much as I can over the next month!
Sheffield Half Review
Monday 24th MarSheffield half yesterday in pretty much perfect weather. About 8-10c and overcast.
The course is brilliant and I really enjoyed the challenging hill. I went to Sheffield Hallam so it started next to the main campus then went past Collegiate Crescent along Eccelsall Road then up a big hill and back through Dore.
I set off just ahead of the 1:30 pacers with it basically being a gentle uphill for the first couple of miles then gets really steep from 3-5.5 miles. At this steep section I pulled away but I figured in my head that I was about on for a 1:30 time…then the course turned and it was downhill, at 11km I threw in a 3:40 split 
and the previous one was 3:58. Between 10km and the end only two km were above 4 mins and even then it was only a few seconds.
My final10km was about 38:27 and final 5km was 18:40(ish) as I really threw it down!
Other points, fuelling worked, I tried to take extra gels for marathon training and that worked. The Alphafly are great but I’m going to want to get out of them pretty sharpish when I finish London.
Big take out though, took my PB down from 1:35:20 to 1:27:27. This thread has been full of great advice and I’ve gone faster than I thought I could/would. Running slow to run fast really works, I do very little at anywhere near the pace I managed to pull off yesterday.
Share
Back at it
Tuesday 4th Mar The past two weeks have been a real struggle for me.Prior to that I'd been feeling a bit rundown but just thought it was life and training, turns out I had been fending off an illness...I'm 99% sure it was COVID (not being able to smell Deep Heat?!) and my body just gave in, it reacted by giving me a real pain in the hip as well as a chesty cough and phlegm. Lots of phlegm.
Anyway, I have rested, I saw a physio and she gave me exercises and some very sound advice.
Yesterday (03.03) I managed to get out for a pain-free short run and then managed another pain-free run today. I'm still going to take it easy but the distance and intensity will be ramping up next week.
First set back
Friday 21st Feb I’ve been fighting off an illness for a while I think and it’s finally caught up with me. I’m pretty sure I’ve got COVID so running is a no go and leading to her wrap aches in my body. Been a horrible week and a little frustrating being unable to run. But I think I’m in a good place to have a rest, stretch my hip and go again soon. Share
Week 1 done
Saturday 11th Jan I’ve competed my first “proper training week” and I’m feeling good. It was a very tough week, the roads outside are covered in snow and ice, the temperature hasn’t got above freezing and it’s the first full week back at work after Christmas.
Been a month since I updated
Wednesday 4th Dec Bolton Abbey 10 miler went really well - I finished 6th out of 121 racers! It was a real confidence boost but the main one is my zone 2 running speed.without boring you, zone 2 is keeping your heart at roughly 60% of it's max and maintaining it. When I first started that meant 5:45 min KMs on the flat, it's now more like 5:10 min KMs which is fantastic progress! I am feeling stronger and throwing in "double run days". However, I'm cautious that Xmas is coming with all it's traps (beer) so want to try and maintain this level before launching in to a 16 week plan in the first week of January! Share
Steady away
Thursday 7th Nov I have been quietely upping the mileage in the background really getting in to "building my base" with the full training block beginning to loom large after the Christmas and new year blowout. I'm deep in thought about whether to give up the beers between January and the marathon BUT I bloody love the taste and feeling of a beer. This is not going to be an easy decision to make and I think it will only happen when January comes around.To keep my motivation up I have entered a ten mile trial race on Sunday around Bolton Abbey - given the weather we've had recently I'm expecting it to be fairly dry without too much mud. Famous last words and all that...But my biggest challenge will be to not go out too quickly but to run it steadily and keep me ticking over... Share
Up and running
Wednesday 16th Oct Post injury. Upping the miles and getting strength in my legs, all feeling positive.
Feeling it
Wednesday 18th Sep Training is ramping up and I’m fully enjoying it (despite a bit of a cold).
Blogging and running
Wednesday 11th Sep I’ve never been a big sharer on Social media, writing, status’ etc. bar the excruciating “memories” on Facebook of now seemingly nonsense. But writing down about running and why I’m running is helping myself. I can potentially see this becoming part of “the journey to 26.2 miles”.
First steps back
Wednesday 28th Aug I have managed to do 5km, very slowly, on a treadmill but without pain! Next stop is to try some slow outdoor running without pain... Share
16.08.24
Friday 16th Aug Still injured. Having spoken to the physio on Wednesday I can't run for another week and a half. So sitting on exercise bikes and some walking on the treadmill :( Not quite the training start I really wanted Share
Training update
Sunday 11th Aug Hip still injured unable to run - desperately trying to get it sorted as being able to run is quite important for a marathon :) Share
Why I have chosen Parkinson's UK
Sunday 11th Aug In 2014 my dad, Mike, was diagnosed with Parkinson's. To be honest, I didn't really know what that meant. This was the same for everyone in the family with us coming to terms with what that meant. Dad passed away in October 2020 after catching COVID, so I'm running the London marathon for a few reasons. 1) In memory of dad; I'm not sure he'd have done a marathon but would have 100% supportive of me doing it; 2) To raise money for Parkinson's UK allowing them to continue the support they offered us following dad's diagnosis and 3) I've always wanted to run the London marathon and after my 13th ballot rejection I've found a cause I can actively, and credibly raise money for. ShareThank you to my sponsors
£10
Robert Atkins
£10
Stuart Rodger
£20
Alex Cass
God speed Rob - great cause :)
£20
Cora Burns
Best of luck Rob, I'm sure you're going to smash it! Apparently chocolate milk is good post run recovery drink :)
£10
Angela
With fond memories of Mike from the Babyboomer group
£60
David And Coleen
Although not able to cheer you on in London, we’ll spur you on with the incentive of an extra quid for every minute of your finishing time under 4 hours. Good luck on Sunday, Bob!
£40
Mick Smith
£50
Chris Pearson
Bob, you’re going to smash this 🤜🏻🤜🏻👌🏻
£50
Sara Mclean
Good luck!
£20
Brenda Jones
Good luck
£52
Felicity
Run well, Bob!
£60
Moira
Well done, Bob, on all your training and wishing you all the very best for 27th. I'll be there to cheer you on with 3 generations of your family xx
£20
James
Good luck Bob, I’m sure all the happy memories of you and your Dad will help you to absolutely smash it mate! He will be there with you the whole way 😊
£20
Caitlin Woods
Good luck from Caitlin and Sunny ☀️
£10
Lynda Pownall
A member of our U3a Boomers group it was a pleasure to have spent time with Mike - a real gentleman. Good luck - sure you will get to the finishing line
£20
Laura Finnemore
Good luck!!! :)
£20
Nick Blogg
Good luck Rob! All the training will be worth it, enjoy the occasion!
£40
Pauline Parker
What a great cause, Bob.
£20
Ian Spencer
Good luck
£50
Mary Hardwick
£30
Mick And Heather Rooney
Good luck Bob! We have very fond memories of Mike and the happy times we spent with you all. Love and best wishes Mick & Heather
£50
Jeni Beattie
Speed on your way Bob in memory of your lovely Dad. Every step can make a cure nearer, or help another sufferer like my dear friend Susie
£20
Darroch Mcelarney
£100
Luke Davenport
Run like you are Dion Charles running away from the Championship.
£50
Christine Sweeney
Have enjoyed reading your "journey". Good luck on the day!
£50
Jane Ward
Good luck, Bob!
£50
Katya J
Go you good thing <3
£50
Tom Cornes
Good luck Bob!
£20
Emily Plant
Good luck Bob! A fantastic cause, I'm sure you'll smash it.
£30
Jean Russell
Good luck Bob Your dad would be proud of you Love Jean (Russell) and family xx
£30
Jakki Moxham
£10
Shalindra
Good luck Rob!
£15
Laura Morris
Best of luck Rob - I know you'll smash it. Laura M
£50
Finola Delamere
Hi Bob I hear you've been training hard for this good cause. Mike would be delighted. I hope you enjoy the day. Best Wishes Fin
£20
Keith Moxham
Well done with your fundraising Bob!
£20
Karen Mcveigh
Good luck Bob! A wonderful cause and your Dad would be very proud of you. Karen and Paul McVeigh
£50
Jim Phillips
£30
Doug & Jacqui Mahoney
Good luck and we hope it all goes well. We will raise a glass (or two) to your Dad on the day. All the best Doug & Jacqui
£50
Tracy Armitage
Hope you have the best of days. Well done really great effort and achievement.
£20
Sharon Hodgson
Brilliant effort Rob for a fantastic cause, so close to your heart. Well done you, and good luck!
£10
John Jones
Doing well Bob! Here's a little extra. Good luck on the day.
£30
Helen Bancroft
£20
Chris Wdowczyk
Good luck mate
£10
Chris Harrison
Good Luck Bob!
£50
Emily Cunningham
Best of luck Bob! Your dad would be very proud. Very worthy cause
£20
Suzy Pegler
Good luck Rob!
£20
Olga Foster
Good luck Rob
£250
Robin Horsfield
Good luck, Rob. This is a herculean effort for a great cause. I'm sure your Dad would be immensely proud of you. Enjoy the day. From all your friends and colleagues at Trinity McQueen xx
£50
Cynthia Haddock
£20
Ollie
£15
Bethan Evans Biggs
£20
Chris Goldie
I have a memory around 1980 when your Dad decided I wasn't fit enough and made me go with him to the running track in Finsbury Park. Then we went to the pub! It must have worked because I've done the London marathon three times in later years- much slower than you will be though! Enjoy the day, Bob.
£130
Anne Nicolson
Well done Bob, keep on running! All my love
£20
Wendy Enderby
Good luck Bob you can do it x
£50
Andrew Sugden
Good luck for a very worthwhile cause and enjoy the run
£20
Shaun Foster
Good luck Bob!
£50
Robin Maslen
Good luck Bob!
£50
David Beattie
£20
Neil And Tracy Duthie
Great effort Bob!
£50
Lesley Atkins
A great cause you are running for. Your dad was a great friend of ours, sadly missed but he would be very proud of you Good luck xx
£20
Heather Shotton
Well done on your Sheffield half marathon. I lived there many years ago and it’s certainly hilly! Good luck with the London marathon 😊
£30
Janet Lavin
A great cause Bob. We’ll done on your run yesterday and good luck for the big day.
£50
Megan Vickery
A great thing you are doing Bob. I bet you smash it
£20
Tom Law
Good luck
£50
Jeff And Joanna Glaze
£20
Teodora
Best of luck Rob x
£30
Steve Grant
£10
Katherine Evans
Good luck!!! 💪
£20
Giles Cliffe
Great effort Bob!!
£20
Bea
Let’s go Bob! UTT x
£20
Phil Crooks
Hi Bob! Great to hear about your marathon run. All the very best. Love to you all.
£50
Steve And Chris Blower
Hi Bob, great to hear of your brave efforts in running a marathon in support of Parkinson’s UK and as a tribute to you Dad. He was a dear cousin to me, I’ll never forget his laugh! Well done, Bob, and I hope all goes well with your marathon and that you exceed your donations target.
£10
Adam Follett
Well played Nico!
£50
David And Amy
Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, get on up, it's marathon time! Good luck Bob 💪
£50
Tony Charlton
Good Luck Bob, do your Dad proud!!!
£100
Andrew
Under 3:10 and recorded on strava or it doesn't count
£150
Fiona, Joe & Connell 💙
I wish you’d mentioned you are doing a marathon! Good luck bro, we are all very impressed and proud of you! 🎉
£20
Emma S
Very best of luck with all your training and race day, Bob! We’ll be cheering you on from Herefordshire and hopefully catch you for a celebratory cider in the summer!
£15
Jane Walker
Good luck Bob! Jane (Sarah’s mum)
£20
Coops
Keep up with those 1s and 2s
£30
Melissa Hamdoun
Amazing cause Bob! And good to have you down south again
£30
Hazel Richardson Allen
Good luck Bob! Really admire what you are doing in memory of a lovely guy.
£50
Mike
Good luck Bob, you’re going to smash it 💪 Love Mike & Sarah
£10
Becky Burkill
Good Luck Rob ( another donation to follow next payday )
£10
Stuart Rodger
£20
Danielle Hume
£10
Simon
Go for it Rob!
£10
Anonymous
£10
Rebecca Jarvis
Well done with all the training Rob - you'll do great.
£30
Lydia G
Good luck!!
£50
Anna Cliffe
£30
Robert Nicolson
Extra project donation!!
£10
Adam Shinners
Well done! Keep going 💪🏼
£100
James Richardson
We're excited to watch you smash it! Love James, Sarah and Arthur
£50
Faraz Zamyadi
Great cause - good luck and see you at Mile 1!
£15
Mary R
Good luck!
£50
Mark G
All the best mate
£10
Eve
Good luck Bob!!
£20
Verity Elgee
Best of luck!!
£20
Philip Purcell
£20
Richard & Gill Mills
Good luck, Bob! Richard & Gill
£230
Bob Nicolson
Starting myself off with 10% of my target!
Well done so far Bob. Good luck on Sunday.