My dad and Parkinson's
I’m running this half-marathon for my dad, Martyn. He loved maps and taught me all about them, and I’ve now followed that passion into a career in spatial data. Very impressively, he used those paper maps to navigate many of the highest peaks in the UK, and he is the 96th person ever to climb every mountain over 2000ft in England and Wales!
I can only aspire to match that, but he did instil in me a love for the natural world and a determination to push myself mentally and physically. I’m sure he’d be proud that I’m soon starting a PhD in estuarine conservation, and pushing myself to run another half-marathon for Parkinson's UK.
My dad started showing signs of Parkinson’s around 20 years ago. I can still remember the moment I realised he was struggling to put his seatbelt on, getting into the car on the way back from a Spurs match (another passion/burden he shared with me). Since then, it was a slow decline, and he died in March 2022.
Parkinson’s is a horrible disease. It took my dad away so slowly that by the time he passed away, I struggled to grieve. I’d already said goodbye to the person he was over many years. It’s only in the period since that I‘ve fully recognised all the gifts he left me, learnt more about all the things he held dear, and felt the frustration of not being able to continue our relationship into the future.
Real scientific progress is being made to understand Parkinson’s and find a cure. We’re also learning how best to help and support those diagnosed with the disease. Parkinson’s UK is doing wonderful work leading these advances, and I hope you’ll be able to contribute to them.
Unlike Martyn, I can be quite disorganized, and I’m starting my fundraising late this year! I need to reach £350 before the race on 11 October, so any amount you can spare is hugely appreciated.
P.S. My dad loved writing diaries and letters, and it’s something I’m aspiring to start doing. If you message me your address after donating, I’ll write to say thanks!
My achievements
Upload a profile picture
Upload a blog post
Share page on social media
First donation on page
Reach 50% target
Reach your fundraising target
Thank you to my sponsors
£24.54
Gemma Nedjati-gilani
£23.45
Melvyn & Carole Yude
£12.25
Tara
£23.45
Stella Thurston
Thank you for supporting Parkinson’s UK, Will! This is the charity close to our hearts. Good luck and sending you much love! Xxxx
£26.20
Philip Logoreci
All the best of luck for your race Billy! What a great cause; and dear to your heart of course!
£33.83
Will R
Really moving Bills, and such a good cause. Good luck!
£30
Iona Ballantyne
£33.11
David And Eleanor
Lovely to read about your dad and your motivation. Good luck!
£23.45
Katie
Congratulations on reaching your goal and supporting such a brilliant cause. I hope you enjoy the race! It sounds like your Dad would be incredibly proud :-)
£17.89
Geoff Smith
£50
Viri
Well done! I'm so proud of you and your dad would be too.
£12.25
Pat Dalglish
Well done.
£17.89
Aleksandra Malanska
How beautifully you wrote about your dad! He would be so proud of you, Willuam.Good luck and well done for supporting such a great cause.
£17.53
Hazel Morgan
£35.21
June Mountsteven
Have a good run Will. Excellent piece about your Dad and sadly not uncommon. Well done, love June & Duncan
£15
Anonymous
£22.97
Catherine Goodman
£23.45
Giles Alldis
Thank you, A good cause and often overlooked or subordinate when mixed with other changes or illnesses
£50.63
Margaret Pearce
Good luck Will. Good cause, Margaret x
£17.89
Anonymous
Good luck on the run!
£10
Roberta Neil
Well done!
£100
Philippa & Mike
Good luck!
£50
Bernadette And Roger Hurcombe
Good luck, an excellent cause.
£23.45
Andy Collins
Best of luck x
£109.25
Margaret Sutherland
Go Willian, and next time make it the full marathon.
£49.55
Anonymous
£33.83
Mark Lawry
Good luck!
£55.88
Diane Hay
All the best. Great cause to support!
£109.25
Justin Woodhouse
Such a good cause, well done, hope you really enjoy the day.
£23.45
Jennifer And Silas
Good luck, William!! We’ll be thinking of you! Xx
£45
Keith And Linda
Good Luck! Keith and Linda
£50
Ruth Dover
Very inspiring background story to your fundraising for Parkinsons Will--- enjoy the run! Ruth
£15
Kim Boyd And Claire Montell
Hi Will. We appreciated reading what you wrote about your dad. Good luck with your fundraising, and have a great run!
£109.25
Elizabeth Bridge
£54.75
Anonymous
Good luck !
Amazing fundraising! Hope you enjoy the run and I'll try and look out for you (if I can get to the park in time!)