Jeffrey Simmons

Why I’m Running to Paris – And Why I Need Your Support

In September, I’ll be taking part in Run2Paris – a 240km team relay from London to the heart of France. It’s more than a physical challenge. It’s a personal mission. And I want to tell you why I’m doing this, and more importantly, who I’m doing it for.

Running with Purpose

There are easier ways to get to Paris. But I’ve chosen the hard route because some things in life deserve a bold, uncomfortable response. Parkinson’s is one of those things.

I’m running to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s UK – a charity that’s fighting every day to find better treatments and ultimately a cure for a condition that affects over 153,000 people in the UK.

It’s a silent, progressive, and often misunderstood disease. It doesn’t just affect movement – it steals independence, confidence, and peace of mind. It’s relentless. But so are the people living with it. And so are the scientists, carers, and families doing everything they can to push back.

This run is the least I can do.

Why Parkinson’s UK?

I’ve seen the impact of Parkinson’s on families and loved ones. It doesn’t just change the life of the person diagnosed – it ripples through households, routines, and relationships. There’s currently no cure. And yet, research remains underfunded, and too many people face their diagnosis without enough support.

Parkinson’s UK is changing that. They fund groundbreaking research. They support families. They campaign for better healthcare. And they give people the dignity of being seen, understood, and supported.

Every Step Matters

When my legs are aching at mile 20… or we’re sleep-deprived, crossing rural France in the middle of the night… I’ll be thinking about the people who wake up every day and have to fight to do the simplest things we often take for granted.

Every step is for them.

Every donation helps fuel research, support services, and a future where Parkinson’s doesn’t win.

How You Can Help

If you’re reading this, you’re already part of the journey. And you can take it a step further:

👉 Donate: every penny counts.

👉 Share this post with someone who might be inspired to help.

👉 Talk about Parkinson’s – awareness is powerful.

This is bigger than a run. It’s a movement for hope, progress, and change. So thank you – for every penny, every share, and every message of encouragement. Let’s do something powerful together.

See you in Paris.