Thank you for taking the time to read a little about why I, along with Sara and Jenny, am running the Chester Marathon. After many years of long hours devoting himself to his work in NIE, my Mum Audrey, brothers Stephen and Andy, and I were all delighted when my Dad Ashley decided to take early retirement at 58 in 2014. With great plans of continuing his DIY at home, gardening, playing guitar, walks, cruises with Mum, being a Grandad, and probably being dragged into many wee jobs for me and my brothers, Dad was looking forward to enjoying his hobbies without the time pressures of work. 

After what initially seemed like Dad just catching up on lost sleep, we began to notice changes in his behaviour where simple tasks became really difficult, forward planning and driving caused distress, and he seemed to struggle to engage socially with family and friends. 

He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and then later Parkinson's with dementia. In recent months, however, we have learned that his condition more closely resembles PSP. This helps explain his rapid decline over the last few years, and the other symptoms he presents not often associated with Parkinson's or dementia.

Dad has always been the loveliest, most gentle man full of knowledge and wisdom. It has been difficult for us as a family to witness his deterioration and lose so much of what made him, him.

After about 10 years of doing no more than a brisk walk, in January 2021 I dug out my old, dusty trainers and began the ‘Couch to 5k’. Very quickly I realised running gave me space to process what was happening to Dad, and also mine and my family’s grief as we continued to lose a bit more of him. Even more so, running has been a great way to connect with friends and has given me so much support and encouragement.

Two of those friends are Sara and Jenny. After much deliberation, we took the plunge and entered in for the Chester Marathon (thanks to Sara's brother Ben accepting a few lodgers for the night!). Our wonderful chats have got me through those long training runs and have sustained me through the week thereafter. Despite both girls having their own causes they could run in support of, they have  chosen to support me and Dad - I couldn't be more grateful for them.

I often struggle knowing how to help Dad, and can feel overwhelmed with the desperation of it all as his care needs continue to increase. I hope that raising money for PSPA will do a small part in helping raise awareness and understanding of this cruel condition and maybe one day find a cure.

From PSPA:

PSPA is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of people living with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD). We provide information and support for people affected by PSP and CBD whilst funding research into the causes, treatment, and eventually a cure. Together, we can stop PSP and CBD in their tracks.