Joe Gregory
My Story
I'm Joe, and I was unexpectedly diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in April 2019 (ironically on World Parkinson's Day).
Parkinson's is a degenerative brain disorder that increasingly kills the cells that power and manage the body's movements. Thus the person with Parkinson's most often has tremors, shakes, stiffness and slowness of movement, balance problems, posture problems, pains, aches, and a whole lot of other motor and non-motor symptoms.
Over time, the condition continues to kill off the brain cells, meaning the condition worsens, and the symptoms increase in number and severity.
Despite the efforts of many great people, there is still currently NO cure for Parkinson's, though a range of medicines, therapies, brain surgery, positive thinking and general support can do a lot to slow down the degeneration in condition for people with PD.
I accept that I am unlikely to experience a cure myself at my time in life, but I have a passion for the Parkinson's community, and a will to do all I can to help develop a cure that is going to help the next generation, and prevent any further people and their families having to live with this horrible condition.
My intention with the London Marathon is to walk the 26.2 miles distance juggling a football.
Having been a keen sportsman before Parkinson's I have run the London and other marathons in the past, at times pushing a friend with Cerebral Palsy in his wheelchair. I also played football for most of my life until about 20 years ago. Always intending to play football again 'one day', my first thought upon diagnosis was indeed that I'd not now ever be able to play football again.
Instead, I do indeed play football and exercise 2-3 times a week, and am so determined that despite the difficulties, I will indeed accept and focus on the positives, including how kicking a ball 'frees' up my legs and body, and enables me to walk in a way that I cannot without such an 'aid'.
I sincerely appreciate any support in my attempt to reach my fundraising target. There are indeed a lot of fantastic people - and their families - living with Parkinson's. But if we can reach the goal of curing Parkinson's, there will be so many more happier people and their families.
Please donate even £1 if you can. I truly do thank you and appreciate it. I WILL complete the task of walking 26.2 miles whilst juggling a football. I will likely drop it many times, and it may take me a while to complete the course. But I WILL do it....
I will update my training progress here and on twitter - @joegregory100 - and again sincerely thank you for your support.
With love and respect,
Joe
Tuesday 3rd October
Thank you everyone. I did it... 👍