The Bennett's are running for Parkinson's UK. Baz and I have decided to team up for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival (EMF) this year in support of Parkinson's UK.

My mum and Baz's nanny was diagnosed with the condition over 15 years ago. We were told she would have a good 5 years but we were uncertain what the future would hold.

She first noticed something wasn't right when her foot slipped off the pedal when driving. She didn't have and still doesn't have tremor as part of her condition. It seems to affect people in different ways, but she does freeze and is at risk of falls.

We have seen incredibly difficult times, the worst when new medication caused her to experience a severe psychotic episode. Lots of hospital admissions and changes in medication later and equally joyful times. Some of the best memories are my son helping his nanny to walk by singing together to help gait and rhythm.

I feel incredibly lucky we have had my mum around through my son's childhood, my dad having died of a stroke when I was 22.

The combination of invaluable support from Parkinson's nurses keeping my mum's medication in balance, crisis mental health services when things got really bad and mum's self determination in her crafting and keeping creativity going has helped immensely to stay positive and independent at home.

I feel incredibly grateful to all the support we have received in keeping my mum going and creative health has played a huge part in her positivity and structure to her day.

So much so we are running! Something we have not done in a while.

Please support us and this incredible charity who support so many families like ours.

Thanks so much Claire and Baz

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