A WEST Devon born runner is busy preparing for his eighth charity event to raise vital funds for a Tavistock support group.

Darren Evans, originally from Tavistock and a former college student, is running the London Marathon on April 22 — his seventh marathon to date.

Darren will be raising money for Tavistock Parkinson’s UK Support Group, whose members will be mirroring Darren’s training plans under the banner ‘Your Marathon for Parkinson’s’.

Val Evans, Darren’s mum, and treasurer of the support group, said: ‘This money will be used to help people with Parkinson’s get the correct exercise for them because research shows that exercising for two and a half hours a week can slow the progression of Parkinson’s and that an exercise focused lifestyle can be as important as medication in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

‘To help themselves and to raise funds to help others exercise many members of the Tavistock Parkinson’s UK Support Group are completing their own marathon challenges, mirroring Darren’s training plan. ‘Everyone’s challenge is unique to them and based on the type of exercise that will be beneficial to their health. It’s amazing how many parallels there are between training for a marathon and exercising when you have Parkinson’s. For example, following a plan, pushing to improve, developing a training routine, focusing on the objectives and never giving up.’

The ‘Your Marathon for Parkinson’s’ is also being supported by family, friends and physiotherapists who are giving advice to support everyone’s efforts and also completing their own marathon challenges. Supporter’s marathon challenges include jumping the equivalent of the London Marathon — 26 miles on a trampoline — a half marathon, running for 10k and a couch to 5k programme.

Val added: ‘Over 20 people are part of the ‘your marathon for Parkinson’s’ team and a get together is planned at the Anchorage Centre in the afternoon of April 19 to celebrate everyone’s achievements and to wish Darren good luck in the London Marathon three days later.

For more information on the challenge, or to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/yourmarathonforparkinsons or if you would like to join the ‘Your Marathon for Parkinson’s’ team, call Val on 01822 613992 or email [email protected]