NATALIE Danger is preparing for the Great North Run with her late grandmother firmly in her mind.
The 23-year-old from Rugby will be taking on the famous half marathon on Sunday September 8 to raise money for charity Parkinson’s UK.
Natalie’s grandma who passed away in June after living with Parkinson’s for the last 19 years of her life. The progressive neurological condition, for which there is currently no cure, affects around 148,000 people in the UK.
Natalie said:“I am feeling quite emotional about running in memory of my grandma. In her earlier years she loved travelling the world, caring for her family and starring in the local panto. We all enjoyed listening to her stories about the war. For the last couple of years, her life was made easier for her by her amazing carers, but the condition made it all very difficult. She is missed very much.
“It will be a real challenge for me to take part in the Great North Run as I find long distance running difficult, but the atmosphere and the cause will push me to finish the race. I am really excited to be raising money for Parkinson’s UK who are doing some amazing work to find a cure for Parkinson’s.”
Parkinson’s UK estimate there are more than 40 symptoms of the condition. As well as the most widely known symptom – tremor – these range from physical symptoms like muscle stiffness to depression, anxiety, hallucinations, memory problems and dementia, but Parkinson’s affects everyone differently.
The charity aims to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s through pioneering research, information, support and campaigning.
Katy Payne, head of events at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Our work supporting people with Parkinson’s, and research to find better treatments and a cure for the condition is completely dependent on donations.
“To put it simply, without the support of our amazing fundraisers, the work we do just wouldn’t be possible. We wish Natalie the very best of luck for the Great North Run.”
Natalie will be running with her cousin and is looking to cross the finish line in one hour and forty-five minutes. She completed the Three Peaks Challenge in June for the charity and has raised £250 so far.
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/natalie-danger2 to sponsor Natalie.
