My updates
Less than 2 weeks to go
Tuesday 1st SepLast week I did something very unlike me - went running whilst on holiday. I decided to give trail running a go in the Lake District. It was definitely a test for the legs those hills! But was also some great type two fun! I also managed to get a run in along the coast in Anglesey.
For anyone who isn't as familiar with it, Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition where the brain doesn't produce enough dopamine. It causes issues like tremors, muscle stiffness, and mobility struggles, but it can also affect everything from energy levels to sleep—and right now, there is no cure.
Raising money for Parkinson's UK is a way of helping fund vital research into better treatments (and hopefully a cure one day), as well as support for families going through it.
Thank you all so much for the donations, lovely messages, and support so far—it really keeps me going when the legs start to tire! Wish me luck for the final push!
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Longest run
Sunday 16th Aug19km done yesterday - which was the longest run of my plan and so close to the half marathon distance - my legs are definitely feeling it today though. Dan and Tonks came and joined for the last part.
After the run it was paella, birthday cake and wine, which probably wasn’t the best recovery plan but was a good night.
I also got my race number this week - the run is 4 weeks today.
Why Parkinson’s UK? 3 years ago Mum was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, so why not.
Thank you to everyone who’s donated and supported me
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Less than 6 weeks to go
Monday 3rd AugThe Great North Run is now less than 6 weeks away... which suddenly feels very real!
The hotel is booked and I've booked the Monday off work for recovery, and training is well underway.
I'm now running three times a week, my longest run so far is 16.5km, and my long runs are up to 2 hours. It's safe to say I'm slowly becoming one of those people who talks about running far too much... sorry!
I won't pretend I'm loving every minute of it, but I am enjoying it more than I expected. More importantly, I'm really proud of how far I've come.
On 2nd October, my very first run was 1 minute of running followed by 1½ minutes of walking, repeated six times.
I'm not doing this because I woke up one day wanting to run 13.1 miles. (I entered Daniel and me into the ballot whilst we were on holiday after a few wines, I got in and he didn’t, not sure that worked out like I expected!)
Now, it’s about proving to myself that I can do something I never thought I would, and ticking off another slightly odd bucket list challenge. (Like when I did that skydive from 15,000ft that Matt bought me because I apparently once said that it looked fun!)
While I'm doing it for myself, I thought it would be nice if the challenge could also help someone else. So I’ve set up a donations page for Parkinson's. I haven't shared my fundraising page much, but if you'd like to support the cause, I'd be incredibly grateful.
And if donating isn't your thing, I'll happily accept all the encouragement I can get over the next few weeks. I put enough pressure on myself as it is, but a bit more from everyone else can't hurt!
Great North Run
Wednesday 20th MayI never expected to be running a half marathon… mostly because I don’t actually enjoy running.
But after entering the Great North Run ballot on a whim, I somehow managed to get a place — which is both exciting and deeply annoying. So now I have no choice but to actually train for and run 13.1 miles!
I’m doing it to raise money for Parkinson’s.
Any support, donations, or words of encouragement (especially when I’m questioning my life choices on training runs) would mean so much. Thank you ❤️
Thank you to my sponsors
£5
Ian Walker (brad Pitt)
£10
Pauline & John Davies
£10
Pete & Cheryl
£5
Carole & Steven Brooks
£10
Richard Giffney
£10
Tony Close
£10
Ivor & Lyn
£20
David & Caroline
£10
Steve Clifton
£10
Misa, Isobel, Mile & Olive
£20
Jayne And Christina
£10
Helen Took
£20
Lyn Greenwood
£20
Nicola Flynn
Superstar Steff!!!!
£20
Richard Goalen
£55.88
Emma Fitzgerald
Good luck Steff! Lots of love, Emma, Anthony, Jack Edward & Thomas Liam x
£20
Emma Clewer
Go smash it your be amazing
£20
The Taits
Good luck Steff, smash it! Love from the Taits
£20
Jen, Paul & Harrison
Good luck Steff! X
£23.45
Niamh & Myky
Good luck, Steff! You can do it 😄
£10
Karina
Am in awe. I gave Couch to 5K a try. Achieved it but hated every minute! Kept waiting for those endorphins to kick in! I cannot imagine running a half marathon. Great cause too. You will smash it x
£23.45
Sue Morcillo
Go smash this Steff xx
£20
Kate Warburton
Run Steff, run!
£20
Arksey’s
Good luck Steff x
£20
Hannah And Adam Arksey
Go steff!!! Think how good the food and drinks will taste after!
£33.83
Pippa Tovey
£20
Doug Dale
£50
Peter Raymond Jones
Good luck, you are supporting an amazing charity which is also very special to us a family #BeLikeBea
£23.45
Jonny Winter
Good luck Steffanie
£43
Tim Hanlon
Go Steff, more than happy to support as unfortunately my dad was hit with Parkinsons at an early age. Fantastic challenge which I am sure you will smash. A few less drinks to buy your mum and Steve.
£20
Chris Buchanan
Best of luck, though I doubt you’ll need it with such an inspiring Mum x
£10
Emma Ward
Well done Steph… big love to 🐝🐝
£10
Collins Clan
£45.10
Nana N Grandad
Best of luck Watching on tv
£10
Jack Underwood
🙌🙌
£10
Paul Underhill
£12.25
Anonymous
Good luck, Steff! You’ll smash it!!
£12.01
Richard Abell
A drink for your Mum x
£33.83
Matt C
Good luck Steff!
£17.89
Janice Woolley
Good luck Steff! This is a fantastic challenge, for a cause that affects so many😊
£10
Jessica Mcguinness
You’ll be amazing!!
£20
Mark Howden
£55.88
Stewart Clark
Good luck Steff. All the best on the day!
£50
Jules Booker
Great cause Steff. I have no doubt you will smash it!!!
£17.89
Sophie Valentine
You got this Steff! Think of the Tequilla at the end! Soph x
£23.45
Nicholas Berry
You do your best, lass. Hope you nail it.
£23.45
Uj & Af
Good luck Steff! Brilliant charity ❤️
£33.83
Alan Wood
Good luck steph ❤️
£55.88
Ian & Sarah
We’re both so very proud of you Steff. Looking forward to supporting from the pavement.
£23.45
Rachel Underwood
Good luck Steff! An amazing challenge for a great cause - we’ll be cheering you on from Wales !🤩xx
£12.25
Jane Roebuck
Go smash it Steff 💪🏻
£33.83
Justine
Well done Steffi, you’ve got this 💪 ❤️
£12.25
Alison Warren
Good luck xxx
£55.88
Sam Russchen
Good luck, Steff, you’ve got this ❤️
£109.25
Mum
So incredibly proud of you, sweetheart. 💙 I might still be in Serbia when you take on the Great North Run, but my heart will be right there with you every single step. Knowing you’re doing this for me and for everyone affected by Parkinson’s means more than you’ll ever know. I’ll be cheering you on from Serbia — probably crying my eyes out! 😂💙 Love you millions. Go smash it! Mum & Steve
£33.83
Wilf
You'll have no problem x
£109.25
Matt Weir
Good luck :)
£55.88
Pete Weir
Smash it !!
£50
Rach And Karen Xx
Good luck Steff!! Xx
