PLEASE NOTE: This page is no longer accepting donations. Please visit my new web page for Parkinson's at www.justgiving.com/julianoct25 for details of The Great South Run on 25th October 2009 in Portsmouth. Thank you! Julian.
I was diagnosed with PD four years ago, and eventually had to leave my office job. However I now have several part-time occupations: Council Cleaner; Elected Public Governor of Dorset HealthCare NHS Foundation Trust; Committee member of PDS Christchurch Branch; and a Kleeneze distributor - which is great fun and keeps me very active.
I have enjoyed excellent care on the NHS. In May I had emergency surgery due to retinal detachment on my left eye and will require a further operation to remove a cataract. My walking is sometimes affected by PD and I need to take medication five times a day. I exercise as much as I am able, to stretch my body to the limit - in an effort to slow down the progression of PD. I have lost three stone and reduced my waist by six inches this year - without dieting.
I have been running up to five or six miles during the summer, much further than I had ever run previously, and am now fitter than at any time in my life. Having Parkinson's has actually been a great motivator! I have also had the benefit of running often with my neighbour, Karen, who is an experienced runner and has provided much helpful advice and encouragement. From now on we will be increasing the distance gradually, so that I will be able to run ten miles on race day.
Please help me to raise at least a thousand pounds, which could provide money for a cutting-edge research project for just one week. Most patients are unable to speak for themselves (in some cases literally) so while I am still very active I want to represent everyone who suffers with PD in the quest for a cure - for future generations at least, if not for us.
Please support me in such a wonderful cause, and pass on details of this webpage to your friends! I also have sponsorship forms for anyone who prefers not to give in advance of the race - so if you know me, please get in touch. Otherwise you can contact the Parkinson's Disease Society directly. Thank you for all your support which is so much appreciated. Julian (updated on 24/08/08).
Last week I ran 7 miles in 100 minutes, taking 12 minutes off my time for the same distance the previous week! My leg muscles were less rigid and I had more energy especially at the end of the run. With PD performance can vary quite a lot, but I've realised that the brain gives me a head start over how the body feels - keep urging it on and believe things will improve and they do. (updated on 7/09/08).
A friend came round with a new pair of running shoes and some sports socks for me to wear for the great event. What a blessing, and just when I needed them. How Nike! I have begun to wear in the shoes, both walking and running. (updated 1/10/08).
NEWS OF THE RACE
I had a great day despite the wet weather. My first 10 mile run ever at 55 years, and a time of 2 hrs 8 mins and 44 seconds. My overall position was 10,950 out of approx 19,500 runners and I was 367th in my age group. See www.greatrun.org & www.nikeplus.nike.com for further details and a graph showing a remarkable acceleration at the end of the race!
What really helped me: Sound advice from my coach and GP, encouragement from PDS Events Team, and being told NOT to stop running until after passing the finish! Stalevo (medication!), thanks to my PD Nurse Specialist and Neurologist. A slow , steady start and a determination to go the distance with a reserve of energy waiting to be released in the final two miles. The atmosphere, cheers, bands, and of course the Army. You really helped me to keep going strong. A day I'll never forget, and all the after effects were really good!
I am seriously considering running the same event again next year. If you would like to support me in this or just send a word of encouragement, please contact me c/o The Events Team of The Parkinson's Disease Society, 215 Vauxhall Road, London SW1V 1EJ. Thank you. Julian.
