Liam Freeman, a sports coach with Little Sports Coaching, in memory of his grandfather, plans to run the Edinburgh Marathon in May 2015.
For most people, PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) is an unfamiliar disease. It progressively damages parts of the brain, potentially causing one to lose their ability to walk, talk, see or swallow.
The Edinburgh Marathon Festival is Scotland’s largest running festival of its kind with over 30,000 runners expected to take part in 2015.
Unfortunately, due to its rarity, the source remains unknown and treatment non-existent for unfortunate individuals usually aged 50-70 years. Due to similarity in symptoms, Liam’s grandfather (Edwin Cole) was misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s, and spent over a year in hospitals and care homes making sure he maintains a stable condition, ensuring that he receives suitable care. Sadly, he lost his fight with PSP in January 2015.
Liam now aims to ensure that PSP sufferers are diagnosed effectively and receive the care they need, he comments, “PSP and its symptoms have to be widely known, both within the medical profession and the wider community. Hopefully I can raise awareness of this by running the Edinburgh Marathon in memory of my Grandfather.”
If you would like to donate to support Liam or want further information, please visit Liam’s JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/LJ-FREEMAN/