​GO GHERKIN!

My name is Seb Falk.  I'm a teacher, historian, singer, sailor and dog-lover.  I have recently returned to Cambridge, where I grew up, to study for a PhD in history of science.  (You can read about my research on my blog.)

 

I ran my first marathon, in London, in 2005. I struggled to finish but was determined to come back the following year and do better. I did, beating my previous time by more than half an hour. After that I was hooked. I completed my 10th marathon in 2013, in a personal best time of 2:58:13.

 

My father has always inspired me to be active and to set myself personal challenges. Some of my earliest memories are of throwing and catching a ball with him in the garden. He was a keen sportsman in his youth and middle age, but his hopes to spend his retirement playing and umpiring cricket were destroyed when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1999.

 

My dad continues to inspire me: he doesn't let this debilitating condition stop him leading a full and exciting life (with constant help and support from my mum). But over the last 15 years I have seen his symptoms get progressively worse. That's why I'm determined to do whatever I can to help fight Parkinson's.

 

Click on the COSTUME link to find out why this year's marathon will be a particular challenge - and then please click DONATE to sponsor me.