The Running Rector

The Reverend Richard Curtis, Team Rector of Cannings and Redhorn, has run the Brighton Marathon seven times and the Milton Keynes Marathon six times, always to raise money for Parkinson's UK.

But this year the Running Rector, who has completed in 22 marathons in all, didn't go for any record times:

"I’d got a minor knee problem for the last six weeks so I’d not done any long runs for ages and my mileage was way down, but I set out at a pace aiming for 3.45 - and would have been very happy with sub 4.00 - but in the end I did 3.43.27, so very happy with that.

"It is a long way off a Personal Best but I'm four years older than when I did that! I had a Palm Cross pinned to my running top all the way round.

"My Uncle David lived with Parkinson's for over 25 years and, as I've got more and more involved with Parkinson's UK, I've got to know so very many great people who also live with Parkinson's, and I've seen how Parkinson's UK supports them, their families, friends and carers. Parkinson's UK also funds research to find a cure for Parkinson's and better treatments for those living with Parkinson's today.

"Parkinson's UK are a fantastic charity with great people working for them. I'm delighted to continue raising money for Parkinson's UK. With the help of some very generous sponsors I've raised just over £30,000 for Parkinson's UK in the last ten years. I hope you can help me continue raising money for this great charity."

Richard said he couldn't thank enough all those who have supported his fund raising efforts:

"I’ve been very fortunate to have the regular support of some very generous sponsors who have regularly sponsored me and I’m very thankful to you all. I’m also thankful for the tolerance of the many people who get a regular email from me about sponsorship, I email everyone who I’ve an email address for, as many people who I might not have approached have sponsored me in the past!"

And there will be little downtime for Richard after Brighton as he will then be embarking on Holy Week and Easter in his churches, closely followed by yet another Marthon.

"I’ll also be running the Milton Keynes Marathon on the first bank holiday Monday in May; this will be for the sixth time!"

Richard's sponsorship page is https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardCurtis