This is the first half marathon I've run in over 10 years and although it's not been easy to fit training around a busy family/work life having the opportunity to take part in 13.1 miles of running is something I will never take for granted.

Parkinsons unfortunately slowly takes away so much from those it affects and I know several brilliant people who never let it win and keep quietly fighting for their independence and quality of life. None more so than my truly inspirational mum, who although her life has changed dramatically finds ways to still do the things she loves by keeping going through adversity and adapting:

Be it the love and time she gives the grandchildren through things like board games instead of ball games,

Attending a weekly Parkinson's yoga class instead of the gym,

Emails instead of letters due to writing being difficult and kindle instead of books due to reading being challenging

And she still goes over and above to help others through the hospital board and support for family and friends through zoom calls.

However this constant adaption by no means should mask how difficult days can be for her, on the photo above she had broken two ribs and her thumb earlier that morning due to Parkinsons but her determination to still go out and enjoy time together and her constant try, try and try again attitude is what makes her so special and will be with me through every mile on Sunday.

When I said we was going to try and raise some money for Parkinsons she asked that it go research not for her but to try and help others in the future, which again reinforces why we are all so lucky to know her. If you are able to, please sponsor me to show her and others that we will continue to fight Parkinsons. Because as Neve (my daughter) says 'Parkinsons sucks!'