This may come as a shock but I’ve decided to retire from the lost Marys and cigarettes, sadly!

This April, I’ll be taking on the London Marathon to raise money for the Geoff Payne Family & Friends Charity (GPFFC).

GPFFC was set up in memory of Geoff Payne, who tragically passed away in 2022, by his family and close friends. Geoff lived with Parkinson’s, and the charity was created to turn that experience, and the loss felt by his family and friends, into something positive. Geoff’s son, Dylan Payne, is a close friend of mine, and supporting this cause means a great deal to him and his family.

The charity focuses on supporting people affected by Parkinson’s, funding vital research into its causes, treatment, and eventual cure, and helping those living with ill-health or disability - particularly through smaller, often volunteer-run organisations that can be overlooked.

What makes GPFFC especially meaningful to me is how close to home its support can be. The charity plans to provide a grant to help the father of one of my close friends, who is also living with Parkinson’s. It’s a powerful example of how GPFFC can make a real difference to individuals and families, quickly and compassionately, when it’s needed most.

Since the charity’s start in 2024, GPFFC has already been able to support Parkinson’s nurses, Parkinson’s related research and charities that support a range of small organisations and individuals dealing with illness or disability. This has been made possible through the generosity of friends and family fundraising in Geoff’s memory, and through the charity’s ability to act quickly and with minimal red tape.

Running the London Marathon will be one of the toughest challenges I’ve taken on, but knowing it’s in support of such a meaningful and effective charity will keep me going every step of the way.

Any donation, no matter the size, would be hugely appreciated and will help continue Geoff’s legacy by supporting people who need it most.

Thank you so much for your support and I look forward to sinking a few pints and celebrating with you all afterwards!

Love, Breedy