In today's world, we are constantly chasing dopamine. A scroll through social media, the smell of freshly baked cookies, or the satisfaction after a tough workout. Dopamine is the brain’s “feel-good” messenger. It motivates us, rewards us, and helps control movement.

Parkinson’s disease is, at its core, a dopamine problem. It is caused by the progressive loss of brain cells that produce dopamine. When these levels drop, the brain struggles to send clear signals to the body, leading to the movement difficulties most people associate with Parkinson’s.

In 2026, it will be ten years since my dear father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. What I once thought was “just” a disease that makes people shake has revealed itself as something far more complex. Quiet, progressive, and life-changing, not just for the person diagnosed, but for the whole family.

I was lucky to grow up with a father who was endlessly supportive, enthusiastic and present. From an early age, he cheered me on from the sidelines of the hockey pitch or kept motivating me during sailing camps. Even as the past decade has brought major changes and setbacks, his optimism is still there. That's why I like to refer to my father as the 'Parkins(u)nshine' in our home.

Running gives me my own dopamine rush. And in 2026, I’ll be using it to run the TCS London Marathon in support of Cure Parkinson’s — an organisation doing incredible, progressive work to slow, stop, and ultimately cure this disease.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Every donation, no matter how small, truly makes a difference.

Together with Cure Parkinson's, help us find a cure.

Read more: https://cureparkinsons.org.uk/about-parkinsons/