For 63 years you could say I led a normal and contented life, the mother of 2 amazing daughters and 4 even more amazing grandchildren.  And then the bottom fell out of my world when my husband was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease. Dave, my husband of 40+ years, had always been my rock.  Whenever something needed sorting, wherever there was a problem….Dave was there.  One of those people you could always depend on. But that was all going to change - I was going to have to become Dave's rock.....

....Parkinsons Disease is a progressive neurological disorder which carries a wide range of symptoms. Sometimes the effect on your life is not so great and the disease develops slowly, whilst at other times it hits you like a steam train and can develop incredibly fast. The cause is unknown and there is no cure.  The best you can do is to try and manage symptoms with a collection of drugs that have been found to help.  Symptoms include the classic Parkinsons tremor, muscle cramps, reduced mobility, depression, sleeplessness, to name but a few.  Worst of all Parkinsons sufferers are 37% more likely to develop Alzheimers in old age.

There are estimated to be about 145,000 people with Parkinsons in the UK.  Many of whom feel increasingly isolated due to the nature of the symptoms.  The Parkinsons UK charitable trust not only funds research into the disease, but also organises local support groups.  My husband attends such a group in North Walsham.  This group has about 40-50 members with the usual wide range of symptoms and needs, some of whom find it impossible to get out to the monthly meetings or the regular exercise groups.  It is to help these people that I am fundraising – to be able to provide transport to meetings where needed, as well as subsidising the various activities the group offers.

Thanks so much for your sponsorship.  Using Just Giving the money will be assigned directly to the charity who will allocate it to the North Norfolk support groups.  Look back regularly for updates as I prepare to run the London Marathon!