Hello All
In previous years I have asked for your support to raise an incredible £20,000 for the Dreams Come True Chartity, This has enabled many seriously or terminally ill children to fulfil a dream and I thank you again for that support.
For the London 2010 Marathon I am running for the Parkinsons Disease Society. This bears a special meaning to me as in late 2007 my father was diagnosoed with this horrible disease. I have witnessed a lively, outgoing 65 year old turn into a reclusive older man. It is hard to digest - especially for him.
Parkinson's normally affects people in their early 60s but the age is rapidly decreasing and now it is not uncommon for people to be affected in their 40s. Between 500,000 and a million people have Parkinson's in the US alone.
Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition affecting movements such as walking, talking, and writing. It is named after Dr James Parkinson (1755-1824), the London doctor who first identified Parkinson's as a specific condition.
Parkinson's occurs as result of a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain known as the substantia nigra. These cells are responsible for producing a chemical known as dopamine, which allows messages to be sent to the parts of the brain that co-ordinate movement. With the depletion of dopamine-producing cells, these parts of the brain are unable to function normally.
At present there is no cure for Parkinson's but researchers and scientists are steadily making advances in understanding the condition, its causes, and how best to treat it.
I am impressed by the charity's funding of research, it's support and advice and information for those affected and their families.
More information can be found at this link. http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/default.aspx
As always I respect the fact that you are often asked to help. I have done it often enough. Thus if you choose to support this very worthwhile cause I thank you in advance.
No matter - I wish you all a Great 2010 !!
My Best
Paul
