20 June 2023 , 11:44
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A 65-year-old Brit with Parkinson's has taken on the epic challenge of running 970 miles from London to Barcelona this week.
Neil Russell, from Gloucestershire, is aiming to finish his gruelling adventure by the end of June, in time for the opening of the World Parkinson's Congress in the Spanish city, where 5,000 delegates from over 60 countries will gather.
He's been hailed as an "inspiration" by broadcaster Jeremy Paxman, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2021.
The former Newsnight host said: "I wish Neil all the very best on his incredible run to Barcelona. People like Neil are an inspiration and he shows that having Parkinson’s need not be a barrier in life.
"Neil’s journey will raise awareness of Parkinson’s as he heads to this important congress in Barcelona aimed at tackling the condition."
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Neil Russell is currently on the epic journey to Barcelona (Neil Russell)Neil is joined by experienced cyclist Katie Miller, as well as his wife Nicky and their seven-year-old dog Oscar, who are travelling in the family camper van.
Having set off in late May, Neil will be running around 28 miles a day, even during the hot weather to be found in France and Spain.
He admitted that his neurologist called him "bonkers" for taking on the endeavour, but gave him the all-clear to go for it.
He said: "My neurologist has said from a Parkinson’s point of view, there’s no reason not to do what I’m doing.
"He thinks I’m bonkers for doing it but the closer we get to the start, his interest in the project is significantly greater because he realises that this will help to build awareness of Parkinson’s in the wider world – and hopefully generate some money to plough back into research into finding a cure.
"He’s always said that physical exercise – and the more energetic the exercise - the better the benefits for managing Parkinson’s."
As well as running more than 1,000 miles in training during the last six months, the former advertising executive has undergone some serious physiological testing at the University of Surrey, where he discovered that his resting heart rate was just 39 beats a minute and his lung capacity was – in his own words – "off the scale".
It's not the first time he's taken on a challenge of this nature. Two years ago, he completed the 900-mile journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End, despite having a broken bone in his right ankle for the majority of the journey.
This time, he's feeling more prepared. He added: "We think we’ve covered all the aspects of this challenge that perhaps we didn’t during the Land’s End to John O’Groats run."
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Neil’s run is supported by Parkinson’s UK and Cure Parkinson’s and sponsored by Imagine Cruising. His fundraising target is £50,000.
You can find out more about the challenge and sponsor Neil at neilstillcan.run.