A NORTH Somerset woman with Parkinson's is running the London Marathon for the second consecutive year.

Keen runner Amanda Palmer, 49, from Congresbury, is raising funds for Parkinson’s UK in this year's race in the capital, which she also competed last October.

Amanda, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in December 2021, thought running a marathon would be impossible due to the condition.

She said: “When I was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I was so close to cancelling my place in the London Marathon 2022, but I have an amazing support network around me who helped me realise that a Parkinson’s diagnosis isn’t the end of the world and that this was my chance to show Parkinson’s that I was still in control.

“I really enjoyed running the marathon, and I benefit greatly from the positive impacts keeping active has on managing my symptoms and my mental and physical health.

"I enjoyed it so much, I signed up to run this year too.”

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure.

It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed.

There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor to pain to anxiety.

Amanda has set herself a target of raising £2,100 for Parkinson’s UK, the largest charitable funder of Parkinson’s research in Europe, which fights for fair treatment and better services for people with the condition. It also offers support to everyone affected by Parkinson’s.

Amanda added: “It’s so important for me to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s UK because I want to show people that if you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, you still have a future and do things that you enjoy. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Paul Jackson-Clark, director of fundraising and experience at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are so grateful to Amanda for taking on this incredible challenge for Parkinson’s UK.

“With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives.

"We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough.

“This year, 200 runners will be running the London Marathon to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK, and if Amanda has inspired you, you can register your interest to run the London Marathon 2024 for Parkinson’s UK."

The London Marathon takes place on 23 April. To sponsor Amanda, visit events.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraiser/amandapalmer/london-marathon-2023

To find out how to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK, visit parkinsons.org.uk/fundraising