Fife businessman and estate agent Jim Parker will push himself further than ever before this Saturday, 10 October, when he takes on his first William Wallace Ultra Marathon, raising money for Parkinson’s UK and Parkinson’s UK in Scotland.
With his 60th birthday approaching, Jim will attempt to run over 30 miles in what will be his biggest endurance challenge to date, and the final fundraising challenge of an extraordinary year.
The challenge is intensely personal.
Jim lost his father in 2024 after watching him live with Parkinson’s for more than a decade. Since then, friends have also been diagnosed with the condition, strengthening his determination to raise both money and awareness.
Jim said:
“I watched my dad live with Parkinson’s for more than 10 years and saw first-hand what this disease can do, not just to the person diagnosed but to the whole family around them.
“There is still no cure. That’s why I keep doing these challenges. Every mile gives me another opportunity to talk about Parkinson’s, raise awareness and hopefully raise money towards the research that could eventually change someone’s future.”
The Ultra will be the latest in a remarkable series of endurance challenges.
In December 2025, Jim climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, raising more than £4,500. He followed that by completing both the London Marathon and Edinburgh Marathon in 2026, despite suffering a serious injury during the year.
An MRI revealed an avulsion injury around the pelvic/adductor area, and at one stage Jim feared surgery might be required and even questioned whether he would be able to continue running.
After months of rehabilitation and more than 1,000 miles of training, he has made it to the final countdown.
Jim added:
“There were points this year when I genuinely wondered whether I would ever run properly again, never mind attempt an Ultra Marathon.
“Now I'm four days away from the start line, and it’s becoming very real.
“Thirty miles is daunting. I’ll also be carrying mandatory safety equipment, waterproofs, emergency clothing, food, water and other kit throughout the event.
“But when it gets difficult, I’ll remind myself that I chose to do this. Someone living with Parkinson’s didn’t choose their condition.
“My discomfort will be temporary. For families affected by Parkinson’s, the challenge can be every single day.”
Jim has set a target of raising £1,000 from his William Wallace Ultra challenge and is making a final appeal to people and businesses across Fife to help him reach, and hopefully exceed that figure.
“Whether somebody gives £5, £10, £20 or simply shares my fundraising page, it all helps.
“Crossing the finish line after 30 miles will mean a huge amount to me, but that's not the finish line that really matters.
“The finish line I want to see is the day we can finally say we have found a cure for Parkinson’s.”
SUPPORT JIM'S CHALLENGE
Jim’s William Wallace Ultra Marathon fundraising page can be found here:
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