On the 8th Sept myself and ten other members of our family and close friends, will be running the Great North Run in memory of our wonderful Mum, Grandma & Friend Nina Leach.

Why the Great North Run? Mum was born in Sunderland and although she left many years ago, her heart was always 'up north'.

Mum died in November 2018 at the grand age of 95, always active and a keen sports woman Mum played badminton and hiked until she was diagnosed with Parkinsons in her late 70's. Not to be beaten she continued to live in her own home and remained fiercely independent. Whilst Parkinsons inevitably changed her life Mum refused to be defined by her disease and fought to continue living her life to the fullest.

My Mum was a truly inspiring woman, intelligent, hard working and caring. I will run in her memory with great pride and hope to raise a significant sum to improve the lives of those suffering with this terrible disease.

Mum spent her life helping others and it would be wonderful if we could continue her legacy by raising funds towards the pioneering GDNF research. Clinical trials are underway to see if GDNF treatment can slow, stop or reverse Parkinson's - something no current treatment can do.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, any amount you can spare will be gratefully received.