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
Thank you to my sponsors
£12.25
Grainne Mcneill
£15
A J
Good luck from Ali & Isla
£17.89
John Jackson
Get those leg muscles moving Sam! Good Luck Uncle John
£12.25
Katarina Borosova
Good luck ❤️
£55.88
Oonagh Law
Amazing, well done Sam and what a lovely way in helping to support Harris and the charity that has provided additional support for the family. I hope the training has gone to plan then 😬. Best of luck!
£17.89
Pat Jackson
Hey Sam! What a star you are! Sending much love for your successful half marathon next Sunday from Uncle John and me and with extra big hugs from your loving Auntie Pat xx
£33.83
Janet Mccunn
Go Sam! Great thing you’re doing. Janet x
£10
Anita Hurrell
£33.83
Lizzy
You freaking rock ✊🏻 go for it cuz
£55.88
Anneliese Simeloff
Go Sam GO! You're amazing.
£12.25
Anton Short
£55.88
Janet Whyte
Very, very happy to support you Sam. Dear Harris - Parkinson’s is not easy… Sending love ❤️
£23.45
Anna Michell
Sam this is so wonderful. Loads of luck xxx
£33.83
Lucy
You’ve got this!!! Blonde or brown when you cross that line what ever your time we will be cheering you on. Xxxx 💚
£12.25
Pippa
Great Cause Sam!
£50
Christina Watts
Couràge Sam!
£22.80
Lianna And Toby
Best of luck and a worthy cause x lianna and toby
£20
Amy W Aka Sis In Law
So proud of you Sam. A wonderful thing to do for your father in law and others with Parkinson’s xx
£20
Jane Jackson
Good on you Sam go for it!
£100
The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad
You rock Sam!
£22.80
Good luck Sam J!