Izzy Player
Izzy's Half Marathon challenge
Fundraising for Cure Parkinson’s
Story
It may surprise you, but I've struggled with running for a long time. I'm determined to overcome this, which is why I've decided to challenge myself by running a half marathon on 2nd April.
Like many others in 2020 I took part in the Run4Heros 5km challenge which I found surprisingly challenging, only to find out a year later that I had iron deficient anemia, which would explain my low energy levels and breathlessness - and here was me thinking I was just unfit!
As many of you know, I work in fundraising for OBT, and for the past 3 years I have been managing a team of charity runners for the London Marathon. I feel like a bit of a fraud talking to so many runners, who assume I'm 'one of them' but in truth, I struggle to run 5km! Inspired by their amazing dedication and commitment to train and achieve this challenge, I thought it was about time I 'practiced what I preach' and take on my own personal challenge whilst raising money for a charity close to me.
I have chosen to raise money for Cure Parkinson's, as sadly I have seen the impact that this life limiting disease has, due to a few of my family being diagnosed.
My uncle Antony, sadly passed away in 2021 after a long fought battle. He was a real inspiration to me growing up, before his diagnosis you could regularly find him 'bagging' Munros in Scotland or taking his daily dip in his garden pond (no matter what time of year!) It was so sad to see this cruel disease inhibit him from pursuing his outdoor passions and see him suffer so much over the years.
My aunt Valerie, battles each day with the challenges that Parkinson's brings, which has particularly impacted her mobility. I hugely admire her stoicism, she shows great determination to make the most out of what she is able to do. As a very talented seamstress, she always has a project on the go , thankfully her tremor is in her foot, so she is still able to enjoy her needlework, but the day to day challenges that Parkinson's brings does takes it's tole on her.
Did you know that the number of people being diagnosed and living with Parkinson's in the UK is increasing.
1 in 37 people in the UK will be diagnosed with Parkinson's in their lifetime.
It is now more important than ever to find new treatments and ultimately a cure. Cure Parkinson's are working to find new treatments to slow, stop and reverse Parkinson’s. Their funding and innovation has redefined the field of Parkinson’s research, enabling the world’s leading researchers to prioritise the next generation of drugs for clinical trial.
It is now more important than ever to find new treatments and ultimately a cure. Cure Parkinson's are working to find new treatments to slow, stop and reverse Parkinson’s. Their funding and innovation has redefined the field of Parkinson’s research, enabling the world’s leading researchers to prioritise the next generation of drugs for clinical trial.
I'd be very grateful for any donations you can give to help me reach my fundraising target. Thanks so much for your support. Izzy x