Shania McAuley-Walker

Why I am running 5k for Parkinson's UK

On the 24th march 2022 Parkinson’s disease took my nan from me and my family. So that is why on the 10th May 2026 I am running 5k for Parkinson’s UK. 

In march 2020 my nan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it was hard as it was the start of covid and the NHS was under a lot of strain and stress. As a family we had to fend for ourselves but we made it work. Sadly after a long 2 year battle, her fight with the disease came to an end and she passed away at home.

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.