My Grandpa, Michael Willett, is an inspiration. Separated from his future wife (my Granny) by years of mandatory military service, he showed bravery and resilience to complete his term and return to marry Valerie. He rose through the insurance company he worked for and ended his distinguished career as Chairman. Along the way, he fathered four children, leading to nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren (to date) and continues to show his kindness, soft-heartedness, and wisdom to all his family. 

Grandpa was always passionate about walking. Many of my early memories were of him in his coat, walking stick in hand, out on a walking path. His final great walk was the length of Hadrian's Wall. It was only months after this that he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease which attacked his motor function and stopped him from walking the miles and miles that he used to.

It has been hard to see him slow down so much. Parkinson's is a terrible disease, and it is my aim to contribute to future fights against the illness and allow doctors and nurses to provide the best care for those suffering.

As a tribute to my Grandpa, I will be following his footsteps along the Hadrian's Wall Path. My aim is to complete the 84-miles (135-km) within a 24-hour period. It will be the longest I have ever run, both as a distance and as time on feet. Grandpa, as well as all others who suffer from Parkinson's, will be my inspiration. 

Thank you for visiting my page, I would greatly appreciate a donation towards this charity who are working to fund research and provide care for people with Parkinson's disease.