Teacher Taking on Her First London Marathon in Honour of Her Dad is Aiming For a Guinness World Record

By Community Correspondent

Amanda Davies, a 53-year-old primary school teacher from Bridgend, Wales, is preparing to take on the London Marathon for the first time to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK in honour of her father, John Williams.

What makes Amanda’s journey even more remarkable is that she’s attempting to set a Guinness World Record for being the fastest woman with bilateral total knee replacements to complete the London Marathon.

Amanda said:“I’ve never done anything like this before, but I want to show others – especially those with knee replacements – that anything is possible. I’m doing this for my dad, to raise awareness and to say thank you.”

Amanda began her running journey just 20 months ago, following her long recovery from knee surgery.

Her determination saw her complete three half marathons over three consecutive weekends last October - Cardiff, Royal Parks and Palma.

Earlier that year, she ran her first 10K at the London Winter Run 10K in February 2024 and has since participated in several other races as part of the Run 4 Wales 10K series.

Amanda added:“My dad is my inspiration. He’s always been there for me. He came from a farming background, built stables for me and my children, and supported us through years of pony competitions. He could drive anything – a tractor, a JCB, a horsebox. But Parkinson’s has changed everything. He struggles to do what he once loved – building, fixing, even speaking. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

“Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect movement – it affects everything. Stress makes his symptoms worse, and it can be so isolating. I want to show him that he’s not alone, and that we’re fighting alongside him.”

After a lifetime of knee pain, Amanda spent time in a mobility scooter and wore heavy metal braces before surgery gave her a new lease of life.

Starting with short intervals of jogging and walking, she worked her way up slowly – and beat the odds of running after having both knees replaced in the same surgery, a procedure which is considered very rare.

“I listened to my body, and now even surgeons are rethinking their advice,” she said.

As a teacher, Amanda is using her marathon mission to educate the next generation, too. 

Amanda explained: “We held the TCS London Mini Marathon at school, and I spoke to each class about Parkinson’s, my dad, and why I’m running. It was emotional and empowering.”

Amanda is also embracing creativity in her fundraising – one idea being a gin hamper raffle that raised over £400. Her goal is not just to raise money, but to inspire. 

She said:“Whether it’s someone with a health challenge, or someone supporting a loved one with Parkinson’s, I want people to believe in their dreams.”

Paul Jackson-Clark, Director of Fundraising & Experience at Parkinson’s UK, said:“We’re so grateful to Amanda for choosing to run the London Marathon for her dad, John. Taking on a marathon is a huge challenge for anyone, and Amanda’s doing it with so much heart and determination - and we’ll be cheering her on every step of the way.

“This year, 303 runners will be running the London Marathon to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK. With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough.”

So far, Amanda has raised £2,765 for Parkinson’s UK, surpassing her fundraising goal of £2,300. 

To support Amanda, please visit:justgiving.com/page/amanda-davies-1723902122919 

Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, affecting 153,000 people in the UK. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is currently no cure.

Parkinson’s UK is the charity that’s here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. 

For information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.

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