Carlisle man with Parkinson’s to take on London Marathon
Carlisle man with Parkinson’s to take on London Marathon
David Little, an ex-firefighter from Carlisle, is running the London Marathon to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK.
David, 57, is an avid runner and has completed 12 marathons in total, this will be his fourth time taking part in the London Marathon. David, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2005, said that running helps him ‘forget about the condition’.
David said:
“I really enjoy running in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside, I have also organised a local park run to raise awareness of Parkinson’s. Every day I take 19 different tablets to help manage my Parkinson’s symptoms, and running is my escape. When I run, I have time to think, talk to myself, and sing to myself! It’s my time to really enjoy myself and get outside.
“One of my main symptoms of the condition is fatigue and I think running helps to boost my energy, improve my sleep, mood, and concentration.”
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed. There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor to pain to anxiety.
David has set himself a fundraising target of raising £2,100 for Parkinson’s UK. The charity is the largest charitable funder of Parkinson’s research in Europe, and fights for fair treatment and better services for people with the condition. It also offers support to everyone affected by Parkinson’s.
David continued:
“It’s so important for me to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s UK because we need to find a cure. Until then, I will fight every day and I will never give in to this condition.
I may have Parkinsons, but it doesn’t have me.
“I want people to know that if you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, don’t panic. It’s not the end, and you can keep going. Don’t give up. I have an amazing support system around me, including my wife, Helen, my marathon running coach, and my employer, and I’d like to thank them for their ongoing support.”
Paul Jackson-Clark, Director of Fundraising & Experience at Parkinson’s UK, said:
“We are so grateful to David for taking on this incredible challenge for Parkinson’s UK.
“With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough.
“This year, 200 runners will be running the London Marathon to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK, and if David has inspired you, you can register your interest to run the London Marathon 2024 for Parkinson’s UK!”
The London Marathon takes place on 23 April. To sponsor David, visit https://events.parkinsons.org.
To find out how to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK, visit parkinsons.org.uk/fundraising
