I am running my first half marathon in support of The Brain Charity, a charity supporting people affected by all neurological conditions. I am running in support of my Nana who has battled Parkinson’s disease for 20 years. I have witnessed the deterioration of her health and the growing difficulty for my Granda to take care of her. The Brain Charity supports people, like my Nana, and their family, friends or carers, like my Granda.

Despite her neurodegenerative condition, anyone who knows my Nana will comment on her incredible mindset. She is the most positive person I know despite being faced with major adversity. She is always doing things (often too much!) and loves getting out to the beach by their home in Mt Maunganui, NZ.

Because of my Nana’s Parkinson’s, my cousin Raven’s fibromyalgia, and my own chronic migraines, advocating for neurological conditions is of major importance to me. Having had chronic vestibular migraines since I was 12, and as they are intractable, all day every day is filled with symptoms of extreme pain, nausea, difficulty speaking, visual disturbances, and brain fog. My Nana and her positivity is the reason I am able to get out of bed in the morning despite not being able to remember a life without pain. I remember her when I feel like giving up.

I am running for The Brain Charity because I have witnessed the benefit that support has on sufferers. The Brain Charity is the only charity in the UK to support every single neurological condition, ranging from Parkinson’s to ADHD. They offer practical support, education on neurological conditions, free counselling, legal advice, coaching, and much more.

Please help me to meet my fundraising goal to help sufferers to navigate complex neurological conditions and to lead longer, happier, and healthier lives. Neurological conditions are estimated to affect 3.4 billion people worldwide, 43% of the world’s population. Donate in support of your parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, and members of your community. I am running in support of my Nana, my cousin, and for everyone affected by neurological conditions.