Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition that affects one person in every 500. People with Parkinson's don't have enough of a chemical called dopamine because some nerve cells in their brain have died. Without dopamine people can find that their movements become slower so it takes longer to do things. The loss of nerve cells in the brain causes the symptoms of Parkinson's to appear. There's currently no cure for Parkinson's and we don't yet know why people get the condition.

My uncle, Campbell, has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's. He has been a huge influence on my life and has always been there for me when I have needed him so now it is time for me to do something for him.

On the 9th February 2013 I will attempt my first ever marathon. The Buller Gorge marathon is apparently one of the most scenic marathon courses in the world but I'm not sure I will get to enjoy much of it! I have set myself a target of 3hrs30mins but to be honest I'll be happy just to finish. I am running my first marathon to raise money for Parkinson's UK.They do a fantastic job supporting people with this condition and also provide funding for research into cures or new drug to help improve the standard of life of people who suffer from the disease.

Please donate what you can to help this excellent charity continue their great work. I've not set myself a target as any money raised will be a great help to the charity.