Inspirational fundraiser Ed FitzGerald has been announced as Cure Parkinson’s Fundraiser of the Year! The charity celebrates fundraisers who have gone above and beyond to support their vital Parkinson’s research, with Ed winning for his incredible efforts to raise funds and awareness in 2025, including running the London Marathon.
Ed was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s when he was just 48, after his wife Abby noticed that his arm wouldn’t swing when he ran. Staying active has helped Ed to manage his symptoms, so in 2025 he decided to fulfil a dream of running the TCS London Marathon whilst raising funds and awareness for Cure Parkinson’s. Ed raised a phenomenal £22,575 with his London Marathon challenge and has continued to raise funds and awareness for the charity since, including by taking part in their 20km Walk To Cure Parkinson’s event.
Speaking of his time fundraising, Ed said:
“I was bowled over by the generosity of family, friends and colleagues, as well as a good number of people I didn’t know. It really brought out the best in humanity and was very humbling.”
Although he has always been a keen runner, preparing for the marathon with the additional challenge of Parkinson’s meant Ed had to follow a strict training plan. To make sure he was ready for the epic 26.2 mile race Ed needed to fit his training schedule around his family and work life. This included incorporating his training into his commute, by getting off the train around half way to the office and running the rest. On the day of the marathon itself – one of the hottest days in London Marathon history – he completed the race in an impressive 4 hours and 19 minutes, smiling the whole way round.
Speaking about his motivation to run the marathon for charity, Ed commented:
“I chose Cure Parkinson’s because, following my own diagnosis in 2023, I was given invaluable guidance and support from the charity, in particular the CEO Helen Matthews. That, and knowing the funds raised are bringing us closer to a cure every day.”
Cure Parkinson’s is extremely grateful to Ed for his incredible support, and wish him a huge congratulations for being the charity’s Fundraiser of the Year.
Helen Matthews, CEO, said:
“Ed’s continued support of the charity has been phenomenal, and we cannot thank him enough. His commitment to training, fundraising and running the London Marathon for us whilst living with Parkinson’s is truly inspirational.”
To find out more about Cure Parkinson’s fundraising heroes, including Ed’s fellow winners Michael Wang (Young Fundraiser of the Year), and the Franck family (Fundraising Team of the Year), please head to: https://cureparkinsons.org.uk/2026/06/cure-parkinsons-fundraisers-of-the-year-2025/
