My Story

I was officially diagnosed, at the age of 52,  in April 2021 with Parkinson's having had the symptoms of tremors and tiredness for at least 3 years before this. My current symptoms are continuous tremors to my left arm, severe muscle stiffness every time I do any form of activity, loss of smell, sensory neuropathy ( loss of feeling to the right leg when doing exercise ) and moderate vertigo. Sadly, I know that this will impact me severely at some point in the future and affect my quality of life, but in the meantime, we all have to enjoy every day and make the most of our situations. I took up running to prove that being diagnosed with Parkinson's does not mean you cannot continue to enjoy life. There are many stories about people who have often been diagnosed at a much younger age, and undertaken exercsie to help slow down the rate of Parkinsons. The release of the chemical Serotonin, which happens through exercise, is shown to help slow down the rate of the disease. I have been especially motivated by the stories of other sufferer's and how they have tried to overcome their issues through determination and a lot of pain. I am aiming to finish the marathon in under 5.5 hours, and then my next target will be Snowdon marathon in 2023. To give you an idea of what it is like for me to undertake this challenge, imagine having to run a short distance, but it is continually uphill even if you are on the flat. Your legs start feeling like they are set in concrete and the left arm trembles uncontrollably. Numbness to the right leg and constant pins and needles for the entrie duration of running. You know you cannot stop because once you do, the whole body will start shaking and the muscles are aching to the point of exploding. It is tough, but I am certain through change in diet and exercise, I can give myself a better quality of life. I used to love playing sports in school with the students; rugby, football, cricket but sadly I just cannot do it to the same level anymore. All proceeds will go to the continued research to find a cure. I want to thank my wife Carolyn, who is always there with me supporting me and making sure I take my tablets, even though I get riled when she keeps reminding me :) and to my school where I teach, St David's College, who without their support, I probably would have given up teaching and god knows where I would be now.