Running for Mum – and for All New Zealanders With Parkinson's Disease
Support Rob as he runs the 2023 Melbourne Marathon for Parkinson's New Zealand: helping all Kiwis with PD live well and thrive. Thank you!
Khandallah, Wellington
Hi! I'm Rob.
I still remember the day, in late 2021, when I found out that my amazing mum, Nicola, was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD). I was on a train in London, heading home. I broke down – bursting into tears as my fellow commuters averted their gazes back to their papers and phones.
Since then, I've learnt a lot more about PD. One? It's the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world. Two? Over 12,000 New Zealanders live with PD. Three? That it comes not only with the symptoms the media has taught us (tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement) but with depression, anxiety, apathy, and problems sleeping.
What I also learned? Something taught me not by the research – but my mum?
That PD doesn't have to define a person. That people can live with it, manage it – while still enjoying a happy, healthy life.
It takes bravery. It takes love. But it also takes information – which is why I'm supporting Parkinson's New Zealand in its mission to provide support, information and education for all Kiwis with PD – and help them live positively with it.
So this October, I'll be running the Melbourne Marathon to raise money for Parkinson's New Zealand.
To support people, like my mum, come to terms with their diagnosis. Live well, equipped with the right tools and knowledge. And, for 26 miles, in my running shoes, find out what it's like to run a single one in theirs.
This one's for you, Mum. You're amazing. You're beautiful. You inspire me, every day. And I love you – to bits!
Other page links
Latest update
Melbourne Marathon? Completed it, Mate! 18 October 2023
After months of preparation and training and four hours, four minutes, and 54 seconds of something approximating mental and physical torture, I am an official finisher of the Melbourne Marathon!
On top of putting a second marathon under my belt (and a new PB, by a pretty long way) this one was made all the more special by, well – you lot! And the total of $5,420 that, together, we've raised for Parkinson's New Zealand.
It's an astronomical amount of money that will go to helping people living with Parkinson's Disease in New Zealand live well with the condition, and make sure it's them living with PD – not the other way around. At the time of writing, a whopping 95(!) individuals and families have donated to the page – and I'm glad I've been able to thank each and every one of you both individually, and via video.
With that said, I'd like to show my gratitude to the latest round of donations which came in during the final hours leading up to the marathon and after. So a huge thank you to Izzy and Joe, Sue Skene, Marilyn, Rose, Ysa and Leo, Helen and Rich, Beverley, Kevin – for a COLOSSAL donation! – and Helena, as well as Mum and Dad for topping it by another cheeky $5 to make it a nice even number.
Donations will still will be open for a little while (for another month or so, I think!) so if you'd been keen to donate but haven't done so yet, there's still time. If we're not at $5,500 by then, I'll top it up myself :)
That's all from me. Love you all, and thank you! x
Latest donations
Who's involved?
Page Q&A
Ask a question hereAny concerns?
Report this pageThank the donor
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.