This September, myself and my two cousins Dan and Matt Housley will take to the streets of Newcastle & Gateshead to participate in the 13.1-mile challenge that is the Great North Run. The run, which is steeped in history and tradition since its inception in 1981, is one of the biggest half-marathon events to take place annually.

 

Our training efforts have already begun and consist of a grueling schedule of running 3-4 times a week, swimming, as well as other forms of exercise, all of which, all three of us are balancing with commitments of work and University. Our first training goal is to complete the Derby 10k run on the 28 April, which finishes inside Pride Park Stadium, home to Derby County Football Club.

 

We’ve decided to embark upon this challenge to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease and the good work that Parkinson’s UK do towards research into the condition. It will be the first of a number of activities that we will look to partake in over the coming years to raise money for the charity. Parkinson’s is a cause very close to our family’s heart as my Granddad (Donald Cater) was diagnosed with the disease in 1978 at the age of forty-five and suffered with it for the remaining twenty-eight years of his life.

 

On the 13 July we are hosting a night of music at Alfreton golf club, in order to raise awareness of Parkinson’s UK and our efforts in training for the half-marathon. We’re hoping that the night will raise a significant amount towards our target, but we still need your help! We would really appreciate any donations, however big or small towards this vital cause as we help to spread word of the crucial work this charity does and contribute towards on going research into a cure.