In October, many of Cure Parkinson’s fundraising heroes laced up their trainers to run in support of our research. But running wasn’t the only challenge our fundraisers got up to, with one supporter organising a charity concert too!
Run to the Sea Bournemouth
Brothers Gavin and David, and their cousins Anna and Daniel, teamed up to take part in Run to the Sea Bournemouth, a 50km ultramarathon. The family chose to support Cure Parkinson’s as Gavin and David’s father, Tim, and Anna’s father, Owen, both live with the condition.
To make it a real family affair the cousins called on their loved ones to join them for the final kilometre of the ultramarathon. Three generations of the extended family ran, jogged, walked or (for some of the younger members of the family) scooted their way to the finish line at Hengistbury Head. Tim and Owen also took part in the final kilometre, too!
Three generations of the extended family took part:
Chester Marathon
Supporter Molly decided to run the Chester Marathon for us as her mum, Amanda, was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s two years ago. Amanda is a keen marathon runner herself and has taken on a number of her own fundraising challenges in the past, so Molly was inspired to follow in her mum’s footsteps by running the Chester Marathon to raise some funds in support of our research. To make the marathon even more special, Molly ran the formidable 26.2 mile distance alongside her mum, and both thoroughly enjoyed the race!
Molly and Amanda at the Chester Marathon:
York 10 Mile Run
Further north, Rosie ran the Yorkshire 10 Mile Run. This 10 mile race followed a route through the historic city of York, passing some of the city’s iconic landmarks including York Minster and the medieval City Walls.
Taking part in the race was particularly meaningful for Rosie as her father, who lived with Parkinson’s, sadly passed away at the end of September. We want to say a huge thank you to Rosie for her amazing fundraising effort and for supporting our work.
Rosie with her dad, and after running the Yorkshire 10 Mile Run:
Amsterdam Marathon
Meanwhile fundraiser Duncan travelled further afield to the Netherlands to take part in the Amsterdam Marathon! Duncan diligently followed a 15 week training plan to prepare for the 32km race and, despite suffering from a knee injury shortly before the big event, had a great time.
Duncan and his daughter at the Amsterdam Marathon:
Charity concert
And on a more musical note, Philip chose to raise funds for us at a concert he organises annually, held at his local church in Pirbright, Surrey. The event (now in its 11th year) regularly includes a performance from Welsh male voice choir, The Cardiff Arms Park Choir, and this year was no different as the group entertained the audience with their powerful voices.
This sold-out event helped raise vital funds for us and Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.
The concert in full swing:
Nominate a fundraising hero for our annual award
Help us celebrate an exceptional fundraiser who has gone above and beyond to raise funds and awareness for us by nominating them for our annual Fundraiser of the Year award! The winner will be announced on World Parkinson’s Day next year (11 April 2025).
