This Sunday, our single biggest annual fundraiser, the London Marathon is taking place. We have our very own #TeamBrainAppeal – an incredible group of 20 runners who will be pounding the streets of London to raise money for us. Our runners include previous patients from The National, their relatives, hospital staff and those who want to raise funds for neurological conditions.

We’ll be there to support them at our cheer point at mile 25 on the riverside, which is near Embankment. If you’re a runner, remember to look out for our banner and we’ll be cheering you on. If you’re a supporter, why not head down from 12pm and join us to shout encouragement to help the runners to make it to the finish line.

One of the National’s neurosurgeons and long-time supporter of The National Brain Appeal, Neil Kitchen, is also running this year. ‘I’m taking on the challenge to acknowledge the bravery and fortitude displayed by my numerous brain tumour patients and their families, says Neil. ‘I’ve read many of the comments on my JustGiving page this year and I feel so humbled and inspired by them.’ You can support Neil here.

Did you know, every hour in the UK someone is told they have Parkinson’s? We’re trying to improve knowledge about the condition as it’s Parkinson’s Awareness Week (20-26 April). Symptoms of this degenerative condition include tremor, slowness of movement and rigidity. There is currently is no cure but drugs and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) are used to help control the symptoms. In recent years, research at the Institute of Neurology has shown that DBS performed at The National helped to improve patients' symptoms and signs of Parkinson's by an impressive 55%.

• Calling all keen cyclists! There are a few last-minute spaces on a charity cycle ride to raise money for PCA (a form of early-onset dementia). The challenge is taking place in Mallorca on 15-16 May, and it could be the most worthwhile ‘holiday’ in the sun you’ve ever had! For all the details, email the organiser at lisafrankelpollen@yahoo.co.uk. You can also show your support by donating to the team. Good luck to all of those signed up so far.
   
• Come along to our charity gig on 28 May and catch headline act Rhythm & Blues Brothers with support from Agent and Havva. This popular event always sells out as we have limited capacity in UCL’s Richard Mully Basement Bar. Tickets cost £10 − get yours today so you don’t miss out!

For more events, personal stories and how you can get involved, please visit
www.nationalbrainappeal.org, or follow us @brainappeal and fb/TheNationalBrainAppeal

Theresa, Marcelle, Jess, Louise, Anna, Leigh and Cara