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On Sunday 12th September 2021 I shall be putting on my racing shoes once again to take part in the Great North Run. It is the largest half marathon in the world going from Newcastle Upon Tyne down to South Shields. This will be the 6^th time I’ve entered and run this race and it really is like no other. The first time I ever completed the Great North Run was in 2009, running and raising money for Parkinson’s UK and 12 Years on I’m doing it again.

So why Parkinson’s? Simple, my dad had this disease, and this is my personal story of it. To many people Parkinson’s is a disease where your hands just shake, this is one symptom, but for many people this may not be a symptom at all.  My dad didn’t have hand tremors, but it did affect his walking and his speech, however, Parkinson’s disease also took away my dad’s personality, his love and laughter for life and his family, and was replaced with confusion, anxiety, hallucinations, depression and many, many tears. The impact it had on us as a family was very difficult and at times heart breaking, but through it all, my mum, my sisters, Alison and Gill, and I pulled together to make sure my dad was safe, supported and most of all very loved. Sadly, my dad passed away in 2010 and as I mark this 11 year anniversary, I wanted to do something positive so Great North Run here I come! 

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and support me in my fundraising.