Why We’re Walking

Last year Parkinson’s became part of my life at just 37 years old.

A husband. A dad to two young girls. And suddenly having to figure out what life looks like with something that currently has no cure.

I won’t pretend it’s been easy.

There are the tremors, stiffness, dystonia, fatigue, horrendous sleep and those days where my body just doesn’t want to play ball.

But Parkinson’s has also made me look at life very differently.

It’s a big part of why Fueled By Dopa exists.

For me, it’s about movement, strength, faith, family, purpose and hope.

Movement is one of the biggest tools I have right now. Whether that’s lifting, boxing, cycling, walking or simply getting myself moving on a difficult day — I’m going to keep using the body I’ve got while I still can.

My faith keeps me grounded.

My family gives me my reason.

And hope keeps me looking forward.

That’s why taking part in the Walk to Cure Parkinson’s with my family beside me means so much more than just completing a route around London.

My girls are still far too young to really understand what Parkinson’s means for their dad.

And truthfully, I don’t know what Parkinson’s will look like for me in 5, 10 or 20 years either.

But I want them to grow up knowing that when life threw something pretty massive our way, we didn’t just sit back and accept it.

We moved.

We spoke about it.

We raised awareness.

We supported research.

We helped where we could.

And we kept hope alive.

So yes, I’m fundraising to help Cure Parkinson’s continue pushing research towards better treatments and ultimately a cure.

But I’m also walking for everyone already living with Parkinson’s.

For the families living it alongside them.

For those who will hear the words “you have Parkinson’s” tomorrow.

For the researchers working to change what those words mean in the future.

And selfishly… I’m walking for my girls too. 🧡

Because I want to be able to say I did everything within my power to keep moving, keep fighting and help push things forward.

Parkinson’s changed the path.

It didn’t stop the movement.

One family. One walk. One step closer.

Fueled By Dopa.