Neil Russell’s London to Barcelona - Progress - 24th June 2023
Man with Parkinson’s On Course to Complete Epic Run to Barcelona
A 65 year-old man with Parkinson’s is close to finishing an epic 920-mile run from London to Barcelona.
Neil Russell, from Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire, has run through France, over the Pyrenees and yesterday afternoon (June 24), he crossed the border into Spain at Le Perthus.
His run, which began in London on May 25, has already covered close to 800 miles and he is on course to arrive in Barcelona at 2pm on Friday (June 30), in time for the opening of the World Parkinson’s Congress, which will see 5,000 delegates from 60 countries gather at the International Barcelona Convention Centre.
Accompanied by his wife, Nicky in the family camper van, their seven-year old Labrador, Oscar and experienced cyclist, Katie Miller, Neil has conquered the intense heat, strength-sapping hills and fatigue.
“I’m so glad to have come through the Pyrenees,” said Neil. “Those mountain roads just kept going up and seemed never-ending. This journey has been tough but I have a wonderful team with me on the road and the messages from home have been so uplifting.”
&ldParkinson’s affects every part of my life but it is not stopping me doing what I want to do. I’m running from London to Barcelona because I still can.”
Among those who have supported Neil’s run is broadcaster Jeremy Paxman, the former host of Newsnight and University Challenge who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2021. He called Neil ‘an inspiration.’ Paxman added: “He shows that having Parkinson’s need not be a barrier in life.”
Nicky said: “Neil is amazing. I don’t know how he does it at all, let alone with the Parkinson’s issues he has and I’m not sure he does either.”
“He’s doing so well. There have been some back, hamstring and glute issues but I give him a daily sports massage and his morning stretching exercises have helped immensely.”
“We’ve been up at 3.30am to start running at 4.30am to beat the heat. Apart from the very steep hills, he’s run the whole way.”
Two years ago, Neil completed the 900-mile journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End, much of it with a broken bone in his right ankle.
Neil’s run to Barcelona is supported by Parkinson’s UK and Cure Parkinson’s and sponsored by Imagine Cruising. His fundraising target is £50,000. To sponsor Neil and find out more about his challenge visit https://www.neilstillcan.run/
Highlights
Neil crosses the border into Spain at Le Perthus, and is on schedule to arrive in Barcelona at 2pm on Friday June 30th.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.