In 2020 we lost my special Grandad. He had Parkinson's disease and  battled bravely especially at the end of his life. I'm running this half marathon to help people like him and their families.

More than one million people in the UK are affected by Parkinsons including families and friends of people with a diagnosis. A diagnosis of the disease can be a life-changing event for an individual and their loved ones. Symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking, experience tremors, rigidity and stiffness. They may also have mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties, and fatigue.Currently there is no cure, but the understanding of Parkinsons and its symptom management is advancing. The University research teams are conducting world-class laboratory clinical and applied health research. This includes investigating new interventions, therapies and approaches to improve and personalise current therapies and care practice, support early disease detection, monitor disease progression and ultimately grant patients a better quality of life.