Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK
I am completing my first half-marathon in October 2026 for two reasons:
For me, ever since the arrival of my first child in 2020, I have often found excuses to lose track of myself, my exercise and my diet in around the business of full time work and being a dad. I am setting myself a challenge in running a half marathon in an attempt to be a healthier dad, and make better choices for myself going forward.
As of March 2026, I have only ever ran one 10k, and around 20 5k's, so I felt a half marathon would provide me a challenge to work toward.
But more importantly, in the early 2010's, my mum was formally diagnosed with Parkinson's (although we are confident she was struggling with this for a longer period). My family and I have seen the impact this has had on my mum - the constant daily challenges she has to face and the impact this has had on her.
Parkinson’s is a complex brain condition that has no cure and gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety. And Parkinson's is on the rise. Someone is diagnosed every 20 minutes in the UK today. By 2050, the number of people with Parkinson’s worldwide will double to 25 million.
Parkinson’s UK is the charity that’s here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. Wherever you’re from, whatever you need.
From searching for a cure and campaigning for better health and care, to funding research into groundbreaking new treatments and running life-changing support services. It’s all driven by one mission: improving life with Parkinson’s.
That’s why I’m fundraising for Parkinson’s UK. I would be grateful for however large or small the donation is - it will give me the push to complete the half marathon!
Well done