Thanks for visiting my JustGiving page.

In 2021 we lost my Father in Law, John Grainger, to Parkinson's & Dementia.

After a diagnosis of Parkinson's a couple of years ago John deteriorated with shocking speed and passed away suddenly in hospital.

Few people understand Parkinson's until they need to, and then it's probably too late - symptoms differ from person to person and develop gradually. It's a neurological condition so affects the most complex organ in the body and from personal experience those affected play down the symptoms, hide them or associate them with other things. By the time they need to start thinking about or understanding Parkinson's they're probably dealing with care issues, family matters, employment or just how life in general has changed.

Imagine if we understood the condition, recognised the symptoms and knew where to seek support, knew that the support was accessible and effective and there was a cure. This is where Parkinson's UK enter, they provide advice and support, campaign for better care, research treatments and are searching for a cure.

One of my last conversations with John was about running, he'd been a keen runner and a cyclist completing multiple half and full marathons and long distance 'audax' cycle events. We talked about his half marathon personal best, somewhere faster than 1 & a half hours if I recall, way quicker than I can dream of, but I never dreamed it would be one of our last conversations! So, competing in the world's biggest half marathon to raise funds for Parkinson's UK seems a fitting tribute to John and a journey I hope you'll join me on by supporting us. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.