58.6 Miles for The Cure Parkinson's Trust

[p][b]* * * Click the 'Read more' button and scroll down for updates - I'm injured and can't run the the Vitality 10k, but Cat and Sophie are going to instead! * * *[/b][/p][p]Hi! Thank's for following the link, or doing whatever you did to end up at this page![/p][p]This year, I'm running a few events totalling 58.6 miles for [b]The Cure Parkinson's Trust[/b] - an amazing charity funding research to slow, stop and reverse Parkinson's ([url=http://www.cureparkinsons.org.uk/]www.cureparkinsons.org.uk[/url]). This will include my 5th marathon (my 2nd with Parkinson's).[/p][p]Here's my challenge:[/p][p]25.02.2018 - [b]The Brighton Half Marathon[/b] (13.1 miles), [url=http://www.brightonhalfmarathon.com/]www.brightonhalfmarathon.com[/url][/p][p]04.03.2018 - [b]London Big Half[/b] (13.1 miles), [url=http://www.thebighalf.co.uk/]www.thebighalf.co.uk[/url][/p][p]22.04.2018 - [b]The London Marathon[/b] (26.2 miles), [url=http://www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/]www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com[/url][/p][p]28.05.2018 - [b]The Vitality London 10,000[/b] (6.2 miles), [url=http://www.vitalitylondon10000.co.uk]www.vitalitylondon10000.co.uk[/url][/p][p]Parkinson’s Disease is a neurological condition in which certain nerve cells in the brain die, causing a lack of the chemical Dopamine. Dopamine is used by the brain as a transmitter to send signals between cells, and the absence of this chemical creates a number of problems, commonly movement related issues. About 1 in 500 people get Parkinson’s, and although it mainly affects people over 50, around 1 in 20 of those people are diagnosed under the age of 40. We don’t currently know what causes Parkinson’s, and there is no known cure.[/p][p]I was diagnosed with Parkinson's when I was 33 years old, about three and a half years ago. For me, this challenge is a way to raise awareness for a condition that directly or indirectly affects a vast amount of people, and a way to raise money and acknowledge my gratitude for an excellent and dedicated charity, The Cure Parkinson's Trust.[/p][p]If you can help, it would be very much appreciated![/p][p]Best wishes,[/p][p]Tom[/p][p][br][/p][p]= = = [b]Update 25.02.18 - Brighton Half Marathon[/b] = = =[/p][p]Part one done! It was a beautiful day in Brighton today, despite being a rather chilly 0C at the start! I finished in a very pleasing 2hr04mins, beating my time at the same run last year by several minutes. Thanks to Steve and Andi for the support, and Ben and Emma for letting me stay to avoid the travel fiasco on the day![/p][p][br][/p][p]= = = [b]Update 04.03.18 - London Big Half[/b] = = =[/p][p]Part two done! It was a bit tougher than last weekends run - the snow has kept me from training this week. I was feeling pretty drained during the last mile, but finished in a reasonably consistent 2hrs07mins. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to the page so far - amazing![/p][p][br][/p][p]= = = [b]Update 22.04.18 - London Marathon[/b] = = =[/p][p]Wow that was tough, but part three, (and my 5th marathon) complete! I knew it'd be my slowest marathon yet, but the high temperatures were very demanding and it was by far the hardest run I've ever done. The crowd were consistently amazing, the atmosphere was incredible. 26.2 miles in 5hrs49mins, but I made it! Thanks to Mum and Dad, Cat, Neil and Naomi, Eddie and family, Sarah and family, and team CPT for the much needed cheering along the way round the course. I'm also very grateful for the help from the St John's Ambulance folk and Tom the physio - after finishing the run I couldn't put any weight on my right leg, and they quickly got me walking again![/p][p][br][/p][p]= = =[b] Update 04.05.18 - It's not all quite going to plan... [/b]= = =[/p][p]A bit of bad news. Unfortunately I'm not going to be able to complete the last of my runs for this challenge (The Vitality 10k). I've been injured since completing the London Marathon, and what was originally thought to be a strained hip flexor and bursitis in my right hip was actually far more serious...[/p][p]A very painful 10 days, 2 x-rays, and an MRI later, and it turns out I have a stress fracture in my hip. I went to A&E on Tuesday and unexpectedly ended up having to stay until today. They operated on Thursday morning, and I am now three rather large screws richer! Everyone at Lewisham Hospital was amazing, and I'm very grateful for their help. So although once I'm fixed I should be as good as new, I've got a lengthy recovery ahead, with a least 6 weeks of not being able to put any weight on that leg.[/p][p]Thank you so much to everyone who has supported, donated, and helped me with this challenge. Unfortunately I'll have to finish this years efforts at 52.4 miles rather than the intended distance, but I hope you'll agree that completing a marathon with a broken hip certainly makes up for the missing mileage! [/p][p][br][/p][p]= = = [b]Update 12.05.18 - Cat and Sophie are running the Vitality 10k![/b] = = =[/p][p]Because I now can't run the Vitality 10k later this month due to my fractured hip (I'll do it next year instead!), my wonderful wife Cat and our friend Sophie have volunteered to finish the challenge for me - what legends! They have signed up for the run, and are in training to complete the final 6.2 miles! I'm very grateful for all Cat's help lately, and am gutted that I can't even go and cheer her on, so if you can make it please do go and cheer extra loud for me![/p][p][br][/p]