Dear All!

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page....  Did I ever expect to type those words!?!?

As some of you will know, back in June 2005, Sandra & I were married.  It's not often that a middle aged man is the subject of so much photographic attention.  All well and good.  The evidence is there of everyone seeming to have a grand day of it.  However, the evidence is also there of a rather portly fellow who needed to lose some weight.... The groom!  Me!

Well that was more than 18 months ago.  I'm 53 years old now and if this was ever going to be done, I've realised that now's the time.  I've talked about it since being privileged to witness the first London Marathons being run back when I used to live in Blackheath.  Well I won't be as quick now as I might have been then.  Four and a half hours is my target.  I trust you'll all forgive me if it takes a bit longer....

Why Parkinson's?  Because my mother suffered from it.  She was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in about 1980.  My father nursed her for the following decade until she eventually died in 1991.  This terrible disease fundamentally affected our family, in all sorts of ways.  The Parkinson's Disease Society seeks to help carers, alleviate the suffering of those who are afflicted and is at the forefront in the UK of efforts to find a cure.
             
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Parkinson's Disease Society will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.

Mark