Join Natalie … and run the London Marathon 2014 for The PSP Association
We still have places available for the iconic race on 13th April, so if you or anyone you know is looking to run in this year’s marathon please contact us as soon as possible at marathon@pspassociation.org.uk or call 01327 356 132. Deadline for entry is 30th January.
Twenty-five-year-old Natalie Smith is one marathon runner who is raising money for the PSP Association this year.
Natalie, from Birmingham is a keen runner and has decided to take part in the London Marathon for PSPA because her uncle Neil is living with PSP.
“The PSP Association, to me, shows the true meaning of a charity – in general, raising awareness and without question providing advice and care for those who live with PSP,” said Natalie.
Having completed her first 10k race two years ago, Natalie has gone on to run seven half marathons. She is already training hard for London, and completed the Birmingham and Oxford half marathons in consecutive weekends in October, followed by a 19 mile training run to convince herself she could complete a marathon.
She has also entered herself into a 20 mile race in March to help her bridge the gap between half marathons and the full marathon.
“I never really think they get easier,” said Natalie. “I just love the atmosphere and being able to push myself for a personal best. The marathon was the next step, and for me, it had to be London. I lived there for just over a year and I love the vibrancy, diversity and hustle and bustle. It means a lot to run one of the most famous marathons in the world.”
To date Natalie has raised more than £800 through donations from friends and colleagues. Her boyfriend has sponsored her £10 a mile and she also held a mince pie and mulled wine evening for her family and friends before Christmas. In addition, Natalie is donating money in lieu of birthday gifts to her fundraising target and her parents are doing the same when they celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.
“We’d never heard of PSP before my Uncle Neil was diagnosed a couple of years ago and I find it extremely encouraging to know that through the PSP Association, there are specialist care advisers on the other end of a phone, and a community of people who have been affected by this disease, close at hand, for whenever it’s needed. I know that a lot of people rely on these services and I’m quite happy to throw myself into those 26.2 miles to raise awareness and push for the day when a PSP diagnosis can be followed quickly by “but there is a cure”.