Neil Russell, from Gloucestershire, hopes the money he raises will go towards research and one day soon find a cure for a condition that has changed his life and that of many others
A pensioner with Parkinson’s is about to take on his next epic challenge.
Neil Russell is set to run 100 miles, non-stop, from Oxford to Cambridge. This feat, known as The Oxbridge Challenge, will take place on April 5 and 6 and will see Neil raise money for Parkinson’s UK. Neil hopes the money will go towards research and one day soon find a cure for a condition that has changed his life and that of many others.
The Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire man was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017, but he has refused to let it define or defeat him. Since 2021 he has taken on a string on challenges to raise money for charity and to show that he is still going strong despite the diagnosis.
In 2021 Neil ran from John O’Groat’s to Land’s End, covering 948 miles over 36 back-to-back marathons. A year later he ran from London to Barcelona a distance of 918 miles, covering 28 miles a day across five weeks in temperatures of up to 42 degrees. In 2023 Neil won the ITV West Pride of Britain Award, and now he plans to run 100 miles non-stop from Oxford to Cambridge. To date Neil has raised more than £40,000.
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Neil’s main sponsor for this challenge is Imagine Cruising, a cruise company that sends passengers on bespoke trips across the world.
Imagine Cruising’s group managing director, Steve Morrish said: “We are so proud to be sponsoring Neil again on one of his phenomenal challenges. He is an incredible individual, supported by an amazing team that continues to defy his condition and prove that he still can run, and we love to be able to support such worthwhile causes.
“Some of our team will also be joining him for part of his challenge and we will be there at the finish line to celebrate his achievement. Good luck Neil, we know you will smash it!”
A few team members from Imagine Cruising will join Neil for certain legs of the journey. The challenge aims to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s UK. Neil will set off from John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, running through Bicester and Milton Keynes, before finishing in Cambridge, 100 miles later.
Neil’s partner, Nicky, will provide support by cycling with him throughout the event, while friends Derek and Steph, will run alongside him for the entire 100 miles.
Currently, approximately 153,000 people in the UK live with Parkinson’s disease, a condition that is the fastest-growing neurological disorder worldwide. This challenge is not only a testament to Neil’s indomitable spirit but also an opportunity to raise much-needed funds for research and awareness of Parkinson’s.
Donations can be made through Neil’s Justgiving page.