Will you join #teambeatparkinson? Sign up for the Brussels 20k via UCB Family & Friends and help accelerate research to find a cure for Parkinson's disease

Set yourself an ambitious yet achievable goal, join our amazing group of runners and walkers,
benefit from our great starting-line facilities and participate in the Brussels 20k on Sunday, 26th May
in support of finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Everyone is welcome!

 

As part of the ‘Run, or Walk, for Parkinson’ team – which is one of the biggest groups at the event and in past years has numbered as many as 400 runners – you’ll help to support vital medical research with your fundraising efforts and we’ll help you to achieve your own personal goal.

In addition to our fabulous ‘Run, or Walk, for Parkinson’ t-shirt, you’ll benefit from:

  • training tips from our running coach;
  • a convenient place next to the start line to safely leave your belongings;
  • a guided pre-run warm-up routine;
  • the support and encouragement of your teammates and our volunteers;
  • healthy snacks and drinks before and after the run;
  • an even greater sense of accomplishment and pride.

How to be part of #teambeatparkinson Registration for UCB Friends & Family has now closed. Thank you to all those who registered in this way. If you would still like to participate in RWfP, you can still register via the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity directly. Thank you.

Testimonials from former participants

“Once again I have heard many positive comments about the great organisation!
Great that we could run with you again.”
– a corporate sponsor

“Thank you again for this magnificent event.”
– an individual runner

“I wanted to thank you for the great organisation.”
– an individual runner

“I have only heard positive feedback from the participants.
Everyone was super helpful and friendly, so thank you! 😊”
– a corporate sponsor

“Everything was perfect! Thank you!”
– an individual runner

The sponsors If your company would like to sponsor 'Run, or Walk, for Parkinson', please contact info@demoucelle.com. Thank you.

UCB sponsor Run for Parkinson

Projects supported

By participating in ‘Run, or Walk, for Parkinson’ this year, you will be supporting four advanced European projects focused on finding a cure for Parkinson’s. 

  • Project 1: Examining the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of sortilin inhibition and progranulin elevation in rodent models of Parkinson’s Disease (Denmark)

  • Project 2: Glunomab: a novel immunotherapy for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. (France)

  • Project 3: Preclinical proof of concept of TFEB in Parkinson Disease. (France)

  • Project 4: Splenic nerve stimulation to reduce inflammation-driven Parkinson’s progression and LRRK2 mutation-driven Parkinson’s risk. (UK)

Projects are chosen by our expert board in collaboration with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

So far, the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity has provided funding to 18 projects.
Click here to learn more

THE STORY OF ‘RUN FOR PARKINSON’

 

The first ‘Run for Parkinson’ was in 2015. Patrick Demoucelle had been living with Parkinson’s disease for 10 years by then and decided to challenge himself and improve his overall health by running the Brussels 20k and thereby raise funds to support finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

Some 240 people ran with him that year, and he inspired many organizations and companies to sponsor and support the cause.  

Since then, a ‘Run for Parkinson’ team has taken part every year (except 2020), with other Parkinson’s patients joining Patrick and bringing along their family, friends and colleagues. A walking option was recently added and handisport participants are warmly welcomed to also participate.

 

 

THE LINK BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, PARKINSON'S AND FUNDRAISING

Parkinson’s disease is often called a ‘movement disorder’ as the loss of dopamine-making cells in patient’s brains can cause tremors, slowness, stiffness, and walking and balance problems and yet, counter-intuitively, research has shown that staying active can help slow the progression of the disease and control the symptoms.

With treatments that become increasingly ineffective over time and no cure available, patients find that running, walking, dancing, golf, boxing, tai-chi and other sports are more than a lifestyle choice. They are vital to their wellbeing.

At the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity we raise awareness and funds to accelerate research to find a cure for this neurodegenerative condition and we encourage everyone to be active advocates and fundraisers.