Petersfield resident, Anna Rainbow, is gearing up to run the London Marathon on April 21 for a poignant cause.

She's tackling the challenging 26.2-mile race to raise awareness of a rare and debilitating neurodegenerative condition, Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), in memory of her late mother who died of the disease in August 2022.

Anna said: “I always said I would never run a marathon. But after my mum’s death in 2022, I was keen to do something to raise awareness of CBD and support the charity PSPA too. We’d never heard of CBD before mum’s diagnosis and PSPA was so helpful in guiding us through the various challenges of the condition, I wanted to give something back.

“After reading a book by Raynor Winn called The Salt Path, I have followed Raynor and her husband Moth (who also lives with CBD) ever since. Their London Marathon walk for PSPA in 2023 was so inspiring, I signed up to PSPA’s 2024 London Marathon team the same day!”

CBD, an untreatable and life-limiting illness, attacks neurons in the brain over time, causing mobility, cognition and speech issues, typically affecting one side more than the other.

Despite not having undertaken a demanding challenge for years, Anna is determined to complete the marathon and garner support for those suffering from CBD. Apart from spreading awareness, she is also actively fundraising to further the cause.

Anna, who turns 60 this year, continues: “Training is going OK. I am lucky to have my daughter, who is a physio, support me. I did my first 20-mile run a couple of weeks ago. I am looking forward to the day. I know crossing the finish line will be a massive achievement, but most of all I am looking forward to meeting other PSPA runners and supporters at the event.”

Supporters can contribute towards Anna's noble efforts through her JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Anna-Rainbow.