I'm running 2 marathons this year, both in support of Parkinson's UK, and in memory of mum, who passed away in February this year. 

Throughout mum's challenge with a diagnosis of MSA, a parkinson's-related illness, both my mum and dad relied on the support and hope Parkinson's UK offered, and so it is a pleasure to put myself through 2 marathons in mum's memory, where I hope to channel the same positivity and determination mum faced both her illness and formed a central part of her approach to life.

Whilst I am now rather a regular marathon runner (these will be my 4th and 5th so far), each one does take several months of training and commitment, and it will be particularly special to raise for such a worthwhile charity again this year.

Alongside the day-to-day support Parkinson's UK provides to those diagnosed and their significant others, the charity also spearheads clinal trials, designed to find a cure to this cruel and misunderstood family of neurological conditions. Some of you may have watched the 2 part documentary showing new research projects into Parkinson's disease, where current sufferers bravely committed to being 'guinea pigs' looking into new ways of treating the condition. What you may not know is the lead consultant featured in the show, Dr Whone, was mum's incredible consultant in Bristol, and in another world I'm sure mum would have put herself forward to participate in such a pioneering trial if she had been able. 

Thank you very much for donating for such a worthwhile cause, I'm promise to do you all proud, both in Scotland (25th May) and Germany in September.