Thea Deakin

Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK

As many of you are aware, last year we sadly said goodbye to Rory, Christy and Erica’s dad, Chris.

Hearing all the stories of Chris’s adventures - nude holidays in France, bringing a boat back from Norway to set up a restaurant on it, or kayaking through Mexico in search of humpback whales, reminds us of his zest for life; high-spirited, full of curiosity and open to learning more about the world.

Chris, we miss you, Appledore is not the same but everytime I picture the Devon waves, lobster pasta, salmon bagels, and your chuckle, I’m reminded of you. 

All these things will carry me through the streets of East London as I run in aid of Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and control of the body. Over time, this can lead to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, and loss of confidence to tackle the world in the way I heard that Chris used to do. There is currently no cure, and the condition can be exhausting not just for those diagnosed, but also for the families who support them.

To the Allwood family, your resilience and determination to live your best lives in Chris’s spirit inspires me every day, and it’s an honour to join you in being an official Allwood on the 8th of May.

I would be so grateful if everyone could donate even a small amount in honour of Chris and to help raise awareness.