DhilumNightingaleMotatapu4Parkinsons

I'm running the 42km Motatapu trail marathon from Wanaka to Cromwell on 10 March 2018, just after my 42nd birthday, to raise money for Parkinson's NZ.

Parkinson's is a progressive neurodegenerative condition caused by insufficient quantities of dopamine - a chemical in the brain. Parkinson’s has both motor and non-motor symptoms. There is currently no cure.

People with Parkinson's rely on medication (often with terrible side effects) and their carers and families to alleviate their symptoms.

My dear mum has Parkinson's and it has been awful watching someone go from an energetic, fun-loving person to someone who is in constant pain and has major difficulties with all movement, balance, rigidity and other issues.

Parkinson's NZ is a non-profit charity that provides invaluable support, information and education for people with Parkinson's and their families and carers.

100% of your donation will go straight to Parkinson's NZ and help them continue their fantastic community based work.

I haven't run a marathon before (I'm really just a casual jogger!) and I'm currently training pretty hard. But anything I go through over the next few months is absolutely nothing compared to someone who has Parkinson's. I'm just so grateful I can run - many people with Parkinson's can barely walk. It would be great if you can support this cause - Let's Get Going for Parkinson's!