Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK
My father-in-law, Harris Watts, was a prolific runner in his time and completed several marathons himself. Seeing someone who once loved running so much now live with Parkinson’s is a powerful reminder of how debilitating this condition can be.
That’s why I’ve decided to run the Saucony Shoreditch Half Marathon 2026 to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.
While putting this together, I’ve also become more aware of how much support, guidance and community exists for people living with Parkinson’s and for the families around them. The work this charity does really matters.
Any support, no matter the amount, is hugely appreciated. Thank you.
My updates
Happy Birthday Harris
Tuesday 26th MayToday we celebrated Harris' 85th birthday.
Considering he once ran several marathons, it felt only right to update him on my own half marathon training.
Harris immediately slipped back into coaching mode.
“Start off slow and build up,” he told me. “You can’t start training soon enough.”
Which sounded suspiciously like the experienced observations of a man who has already correctly identified that I may be leaving this alarmingly late.
It was genuinely lovely to spend the day with him and to see him doing so well. Parkinson’s takes a great deal from people, but it certainly hasn’t taken Harris’s warmth, humour, or ability to remind me that I should probably have started running several months ago.
If you’d like to support my fundraising for Parkinson’s UK, I’d be hugely grateful:
https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/s/43334/56812/w
So proud of you Sam. A wonderful thing to do for your father in law and others with Parkinson’s xx