Parkinson's UK and Sport Parkinson's are proud to be working in partnership to provide access to physical activity and exercise for individuals, groups andcommunities to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of all people affected by Parkinsons. Over the course of the next 3 years we are aiming to raise £175,000 for the Parkinson's UK Active Community Grants Programme.

The Celtman is an extreme triathlon - it involves:

SWIM 3.4 kms across Loch Torridon (very cold, lots of jelly fish!)

CYCLE 202 kms around the stunning North West of Scotland (hilly, windy, and remote)

RUN 41 kms over 2 Ben Aighe (that's a marathon, over a BIG hill and rough terrain, trying not to get eaten by midges)

Along with around 200 other competitors from around the world (although maybe not so many foreign visitors this year, sadly), I will start swimming at 5am, and hope to finish the run before midnight. I'm aiming for under 16 hours, but the weather and my form on the day will decide what actually happens! 

I have a team of supporters to supply my safety and nutrition along the way. The area is remote and the terrain is challenging. Luckily some of my friends have been able to help me with training for the event and my coach Sami has given me a manageable, realistic training program as well as great motivational support and encouragement. 

I see this event (no disrespect) as having a few things in common with having a long term condition such as Parkinsons - every day you wake up knowing it is ahead of you, you have to plan ahead, and put in your best effort to manage it in order to get the best possible 'journey' and end result; you know you can't do it all alone but don't want to burden others; there are days when you wonder why you should bother, you feel defeated and exhausted, alone and frustrated, self-doubting and disappointed. But if you can hang on to WHY you need to make the effort and give it your best, that reason is enough to keep you going, provide fresh motivation, a boost of energy, and to encourage you to reach out for support or take help when it is offered - build a team and a tool box to help tackle the challenges. 

Of course, I am choosing to do this challenge so it is not the same at all, but I am humbled by the amazing resilience and great attitudes of many of the people I have been privileged to work with in the Parkinson's community, so that is my inspiration and reason for taking on this challenge.  I have also recently turned 50, am probably having my  mid-life crisis, and needed to do something to keep myself out of trouble!