A Moray man whose illness inhibits even the most basic of tasks refused to let his condition beat him on Sunday as he ran 10km for charity.
There were 200 competitors in Sunday’s Moray Roadrunners Elgin race, and Mike Millns completed the race despite suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.
The 62-year-old, believed to be one of the oldest
competitors in the event, recorded a time of 1hr 27min 36sec.
Millns ran the race to support Help for Heroes and said: “I have had this illness for 12 years now, and it’s terrible. It takes away your dignity bit by bit.
“It makes life in the house very dangerous at times – things you take for granted such as cooking and cleaning become very difficult.
“It doesn’t kill you, but the time may come when I wish it had. So I want some quality of life with it. Running makes me feel like I have achieved something, and I’m not letting the illness take my life completely.”
The Yorkshireman enjoyed a competitive running career before his diagnosis, and, in his prime, he was running a six-minute mile during his 40s.
Now, however, each step takes all his focus and effort.
He added: “It is so tough to run because the Parkinson’s forces me to start leaning over. Trying to keep upright is a nightmare. To keep up, I have to stop still and straighten myself up.
“My GP said I shouldn’t be running – not because it’s bad for my health, but because it shouldn’t be physically possible.
“But it’s just willpower and determination. I have done a half marathon and three 10kms for Help for Heroes, and I’m hoping to raise £300 with this one.”
Dianne McLeish, Help for Heroes county co-ordinator for Moray and Highlands, cheered Millns over the finish line.
She said: “He’s terrific. I went along just to support him. I know how hard he struggles, and he doesn’t have much support or family up here, so I was happy to encourage him all the way across the finish line at the end.
“He might have been the oldest competitor, and he is an inspiration to show people that they can keep living no matter what difficulties or illnesses they have – what an amazing man.”