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THREE generations of an Isle of Wight family took part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London last Sunday (October 9) to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research.
Annie Dawes, 73, and her son Max Dawes, 35, both from Brighstone, daughter-in-law Natasha Edwards, 43, from Newchurch, and grandson Oskar Thykier, 17, from Seagrove, all ran the 13.1-mile race.
This was Annie’s first half marathon following her Parkinson’s diagnosis, and she completed the race in under four hours – beating her target time!
Annie said of running the event with her family and living with Parkinson’s: “I cannot praise my wonderful family’s support more.
“I would encourage anyone with Parkinson’s who can get active to do so, as the benefits are immeasurable. A boost to wellbeing.”
Annie ran alongside her grandson, Oskar, for most of the race, being joined two miles before the finish line by her husband, three of her children, her son-in-law and daughter-in-law, and four of her grandchildren, singing Beatles songs along the way to keep morale high.
Oskar said: “It was an amazing day, and a brilliant experience running through London with my Granny is something I’ll never forget.”
The close-knit family were filled with emotion running alongside Annie, enjoying every second of the challenging day, with Natasha saying: “It brought floods of emotion to us all as Annie crossed the line with Oskar.
“What an incredible achievement. We’re already planning for next year!”
The family managed to raise a phenomenal £5,546 for Cure Parkinson’s and are extremely grateful for the generosity of everyone who supported them.
Max said: “We’re incredibly pleased to have raised so much money for Cure Parkinson’s and are very grateful to all our friends and family for their generosity, especially given the financial pressures at this time.”
To donate to Annie, Max, Natasha and Oskar’s Royal Parks Half Marathon challenge, visit JustGiving here.
