Run for Parkinson’s: campaigners raise £321,000 at London marathon

A record number of runners took part in the gruelling 26.2-mile London marathon and many – including celebrities and bloggers – were raising money for Parkinson’s research. Here, we round up a social media snapshot of their epic efforts all the way to the finish line

Most people need a charitable reason to inspire them to run a marathon. For 235 out of the record number of 40,000 runners at this year’s London marathon, that reason was Parkinson’s.

British charity Parkinson’s UK fielded a team who were running for a cause close to their hearts. At the end of the day, they raised an amazing total of £321,000 for Parkinson’s research. But how did Team Parkinson’s UK fare before, during and after the race, which featured a surprise appearance from members of the royal family?

Paul Jackson-Clark, director of fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, posted a video thanking all of those taking part in the event on behalf of the charity.

Thank you Parkinson's UK London Marathon team: https://t.co/sHkLQlNGvY via @YouTube

— Paul Jackson-Clark (@PJacksonClark) April 21, 2017

Before the race, Parkinson’s UK staff enthusiastically decked themselves out in blue – including blue lipstick – to show their support for the runners.

All set at mile 25 for our @ParkinsonsUK #VLM2017 runners! #parkinsonspower #bluelips #wewontwait pic.twitter.com/P6QZ1o0UH6

— Katy Payne (@Kateapayne) April 23, 2017

A cheering section was set up in Greenwich, South London, to urge on those running for Parkinson’s when the going got tough.

We're all set up and ready at Greenwich for our amazing @ParkinsonsUK runners #ParkinsonsPower #LondonMarathon #ReasonToRun pic.twitter.com/WmR3OfjvwD

— Tracy D'souza (@TracyDsouza9) April 23, 2017

Stationed at the 19-mile mark, another team of supporters cheered on runners for the final seven miles.

Ready for @ParkinsonsUK runners at mile 19… go team! #LondonMarathon #ParkinsonsPower #ReasonToRun pic.twitter.com/Et93xirKtt

— Sarah Millerick (@scollardo) April 23, 2017

Photographer Mike Garnell shared his best shots of the event.

A real pleasure to be part of the photography team for @ParkinsonsUK at the #londonmarathon2017. Well done to all the runners. pic.twitter.com/FUxZhJ9odk

— Mike Garnell (@Mikegarnell) April 24, 2017

Celeb support

As ever there were a few famous faces getting involved and showing their support for Parkinson’s UK.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Prince Harry, shared high fives and hugs with those taking part.

Unbelievable. The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge & HRH Prince Harry join the cheer zone for #TeamHeadsTogether! What a moment. #LondonMarathon pic.twitter.com/9k56XSh5YO

— London Marathon (@LondonMarathon) April 23, 2017

In this short, humorous video English comedian Rob Deering, who was running the race, explains his personal connection with the condition.

. @DeeringRob shares why he'll be running the #LondonMarathon for us tomorrow. Good luck to Rob and our marathon team! #ReasontoRun pic.twitter.com/6colbbEGes

— Parkinson's UK (@ParkinsonsUK) April 22, 2017

Sky Sports presenter Dave Clarke, who has Parkinson’s, took time to thank all those raising money for the charity.

Massive Yorkshire Hugs to everyone running #LondonMarathon for @ParkinsonsUK tomorrow. THANKYOU X

— Dave Clark (@DaveClarkTV) April 22, 2017

Men’s Fitness magazine editor Joe Warner was among those running for Parkinson’s UK.

https://twitter.com/JoeWarnerUK/status/856160955759300608

Post-race praise

As the weekend drew to a close, Parkinson’s community praised those taking part for their efforts.

A special reception was held to thank Parkinson’s UK runners for all of their hard work.

https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsUK/status/856167232132591616

Parkinson’s campaigner Emma Lawton, who is vlogging about her condition as part of the PD365 project, expressed gratitude to those participating on behalf of Parkinson’s UK.

Day 14 of #PD365 https://t.co/l19T0TXIu3 featuring @ParkinsonsUK and #Thelondonmarathon

— Emma Lawton (@ems_lawton) April 23, 2017

Running ahead

After such a successful event, plans are already in place for the London marathon 2018. A wealth of applications have been submitted.

https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsUK/status/857606202913693698

Runners are aiming to raise money for Parkinson’s UK next year, you can get involved here.

https://twitter.com/katherinehall91/status/857598056111497217

Lead image credit: Parkinson’s UK Flickr

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