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Marathon effort bringing hope in the face of Parkinson’s

Monday January 19th 2026

The Rev Malcolm Ferry, rector of Agherton, his daughter Rebekah and wife Carol Ferry at the London Triathlon 2025.

Agherton Parish is supporting an inspirational fundraising effort as Rebekah Ferry prepares to run the London Marathon in aid of Parkinson’s – an illness her mum Carol has lived with for more than 20 years.

Rebekah’s dad Malcolm is rector in Agherton. Writing on her fundraising page, Rebekah shared why the cause is so close to her heart. “I’ve seen first-hand the impact of Parkinson’s through my mum, who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s over 20 years ago, when I was only five,” she writes.

“Parkinson’s UK aims to build the community of support as well as develop new treatments faster, and it is a very worthy cause.”

Rebekah’s marathon run is both a tribute to her mother’s courage and a practical way of helping others facing similar challenges. Rebekah has already completed the London Triathlon and the Amsterdam marathon in preparation for the London challenge.

Parishioners in Agherton have been encouraged by the example of the Ferry family, whose openness about living with Parkinson’s has helped raise awareness and foster compassion within the church and wider community. 

Their story featured in our diocesan magazine Connor Connections in summer 2024.

Carol, along with some church volunteers, organises a monthly Parkinson’s drop in-centre to help those who live with the condition.

Malcolm has spoken of how deeply grateful the family is for the prayers and encouragement received from family, friends, the parish and beyond, describing Rebekah’s challenge as a reminder of how faith communities can stand alongside those affected by illness, offering support, prayer, and hope.

As Rebekah takes on the challenge of 26.2 miles through the streets of London, the prayers and good wishes of the parish and the wider diocese go with her. Those who wish to support her effort can do so through her London Marathon fundraising page for Parkinson’s UK.

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