A MAN is preparing to run the London Marathon to raise funds for a charity in honour of his ill father.
Phil Farnsworth, 85, from Wombwell, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014 and has seen his life slowly deteriorate over the past decade.
A dad of two and grandad to four, Phil has been forced to give up many of the games he used to enjoy playing with his grandkids, and hobbies he once loved like woodworking and gardening.
His son, Mark, of Hemingfield, is set to run the 26.2-mile route for Parkinson’s UK.
He told the Chronicle: “I was up at 7am on New Year’s Day training.
“I’ve done some fundraising runs before but this is the big one - it’s going to be a challenge but I’ll get to the end even if I have to walk.
“My dad’s done so much fundraising work before it’s been easy to get support - he was secretary at Hallam FC for 20 years and did charity work at WRVS.
“I guess now it’s my turn to try and give back.
“The hardest part for us has been watching him get worse.
“We’ve watched as his mobility and health have gone.
“He used to kick the football about with my kids, but now that he needs a walking aid that’s all had to stop.”
