My Uncle John was a dedicated runner who ran every day. Among other feats, he completed the Great North Run in under one-and-a-half hours after the age of 40.

 

Now in his early sixties, John no longer runs. He's been battling Parkinson's Disease for around ten years.

 

It's a degenerative disease of the nervous system associated with trembling of the arms and legs, stiffness and rigidity of the muscles and slowness of movement. It often leads to even more severe problems.

 

There's no cure for Parkinson's at present, but scientists believe that could change within a generation. With your help, it can.

 

Once again, I'll be tackling the Great North Run this year for Parkinson's UK, running towards my home town, South Shields, hoping that every step might bring us closer to a cure.

 

What will your donation buy?

 

£2 is enough to pay for Parkinson's UK DVD 'Being There' to be sent to someone recently diagnosed with Parkinson's.

 

£26 can pay for a nurse to answer calls on a helpline for one hour.

 

£150 can fund a Parkinson's nurse for one day, providing specialist care for people with the condition.

 

£1000 could fund a cutting-edge research project for a week.

 

Please give whatever you can. Thanks.