Get inspired to hold your own event

Read about people's fundraising stories - and get inspired to hold your own event

Thank you to everyone who fundraises for us. You all help make a difference to the lives of people affected by Parkinson's in the UK.

Running your first marathon

As a keen runner, Martin James decided to attempt his first marathon and raise awareness and funds in support of his father Barry.

"My dad Barry was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1991. He was able to lead a fairly normal life and even volunteer for Parkinson's UK up until 2008."

"Then things rapidly deteriorated and my dad was admitted to Doncaster Royal Infirmary. He's now been transferred to Tickhill Road Hospital, where he is highly dependent on 24 hour care with complex needs."

"I've always been a keen runner and am also a member of Doncaster Athletic Club, but have never run a marathon. I decided to enter the 2011 Chester Marathon and my mum suggested I should raise money for Parkinson's UK as they have been a great support network for our family over the years."

"I was delighted to finish in 2:59:23 in 67th place, out of about 3,000! I also raised over £900 and most importantly much needed awareness."

Parachute for Parkinson's

Lyndsey Heppell decided to take on the challenge of a skydive in support of her Mum Sylvia and other people with Parkinson's.

"Since my Mam was diagnosed with Parkinson's 15 months ago, I have learnt a lot about the illness and how it can affect people.

"I wanted to get involved and show my support so decided to take part in a skydive. I also raised money through cake sales, a coffee morning and a raffle.

"The skydive was the most amazing experience of my life. At 10,000 feet the view was fantastic and I felt surprisingly calm. Once I was safely secured to my trainer we were ready to go and without hesitation jumped. The experience of free-falling was incredible, 1000 times better than I had expected!

"I really enjoyed fundraising for Parkinson's UK - I raised over £800 through sponsorship and my other events, and this amount was matched by my employers making a fantastic total of over £1,600!"

Family cycle challenge

Emily James organised a fantastic 32 mile cycle as a challenge for 12 members of her family.

"My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's over 2 years ago and we wanted to raise awareness of the important work of Parkinson's UK. We also wanted to raise money for research to help find a cure.

"We all set off on our bikes in the morning on a very hot summer's day, and even with the first 12 miles being uphill we all completed the 32 mile ride around Reading.

"It was a very emotional day which brought our family closer together, and I can’t thank everyone who took part enough.

"I have been so warmed by people's generosity in sponsoring us, so far we've raised over £1,600! I can't wait to organise another event to raise money for a charity that is so dear to me and my family. It was a great day!"

Whatever you do, do it for Parkinson's!

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