The organisers of a popular fun run at the University of Birmingham which is being held for the fifth time on Sunday 21 October to raise money for charity Parkinson’s UK are calling for people across the West Midlands to sign up to take part. Online registration is now open for the under 11s 2km event and 5km for older runners.
Bud’s Run is the brainchild of former UK Athletics Marathon Coach Bud Baldaro, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009, and has been based at the University for over a decade. He is determined to use his love of running to help fund research into this long-term condition. His event has already raised over £75,000 for Parkinson’s UK – and he hopes that runners can smash the £85,000 barrier this year.
Although very much a family fun run, previous Bud’s Run events have attracted athletics stars both past and present. They include world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe, middle distance legend Steve Cram, Olympian Sara Treacy and 1500m World Championship Silver Medallist Hannah England.
Hannah England will once again be supporting Bud’s Run and joined Bud and his daughter Becky Baldaro Booth at a launch event last week.
Speaking at the event Hannah said: “I love Bud's Run there's a great buzz about the campus. Mum and dad can join their children in running the 2k or run the 5k! It's a great day for a great cause.
“You can have your face painted before the run, bacon sarnies and cake afterwards, and you get a goody bag for your efforts too.
“So please join us and help us raise money to beat Parkinson’s.”
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure and it affects 145,000 people in the UK, including over 12,000in the West Midlands.
Parkinson's UK is the leading charity driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through cutting edge research, information, support and campaigning.
Parkinson’s UK estimate that there are more than 40 symptoms of the condition. As well as the most widely known symptom - tremor - these range from physical symptoms like muscle stiffness to depression, anxiety, hallucinations, memory problems and dementia, but Parkinson’s affects everyone differently.
Gayle Kelly, Parkinson’s UK Regional Fundraiser, said: “It was great to be at the launch and to see how much love and respect everyone has for Bud. Now the registrations are open I hope that lots of people will sign up and help to raise money for Parkinson’s UK to help Bud reach his £85,000 goal.”
