Woman with early Parkinson's to run six marathons

A fitness instructor who has Young Onset Parkinson's Disease is set to run from Winchester to Canterbury over six consecutive days.

Sarah Frow, who is an instructor at the University of Kent’s Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy (PCIT) was diagnosed with the disease two years ago, aged only 44.

Ms Frow will run the Pilgrims Way journey, an ancient pilgrimage route of over 140 miles.

Beginning her challenge on 27 May, Sarah will run 20-30 miles a day for six days, concluding her run on Saturday 1 June at the University’s Canterbury campus where the PCIT is based.

Sarah hopes to raise awareness of Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease and to raise funds for the PCIT - a unique treatment and research centre offering tailored non-drug therapies.

Following her diagnosis Sarah redefined her approach to exercise, seeing it as a tool to empower her brain and slow the disease’s progression.

She said: "I was seeking a physical challenge which was gruelling yet inspirational.

"A friend suggested running part of the Pilgrim’s Way, and I thought why not take it a step further and do the entire route."

"I hope I can inspire other people living with Parkinson’s to live well, to be active and to be strong," Frow said.

Sarah has exceeded her initial £10,000 fundraising target and has now increased this target to £20,000.

Sarah's schedule:

• Monday 27 May: Winchester to Upper Froyle
• Tuesday 28 May: Upper Froyle to Guildford
• Wednesday 29 May: Guildford to South Croydon
• Thursday 30 May: South Croydon to Rochester
• Friday 31 May: Rochester to Charing
• Saturday 1 June: Charing to Canterbury

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