With the experience of JOGLE and London 2 Barcelona, I am lucky enough to have a small support team. Below is a little look into the team who are integral to the multiple elements of my Oxbridge 100 mile challenge.

Thank you!

Picture of Neil Russell in running kit

Neil Russell

Well what can I say, I’m still running, usually between 30-70 miles a week. I have Parkinson’s, but I won’t let this define me and my capabilities. I ran JOGLE in 2021 just 4 years after being diagnosed and despite all the obstacles I completed it! Then I decided to run to the Parkinsons Congress in Barcelona from London in 2023 and now its a 100 mile Oxbridge challenge in April 2025. For me my daily run is like my daily medication, it’s more than just staying fit.

There’s a lot I have to thank Parkinson’s for, because without it I would never have run JOGLE or London 2 Barcelona and met so many nice, generous people. Michael J Fox said having Parkinson’s makes him feel like a lucky man, I know what he means.

For my sins I’m a life long Tottenham supporter. I love travelling and seeing the world from Everest base camp 18,000ft to Chicago. When I’m not running I’m writing a book about my JOGLE journey and L2B nd the many adventures I experienced. I’ve not found it easy to write the book and now appreciate why it takes so long to write one. I’m no saint either I still I enjoy a glass of wine or a pint of beer.

Nicky Patterson

I am someone who loves being challenged! I enjoy being out in the countryside or equally in the city. Spending time with family and friends is very important to me and I am a feeder, so baking and cooking are things that I do to relax. I also enjoy running, but nothing like the distances that Neil runs.

I have enjoyed supporting Neil through many other previous challenges over many years, including JOGLE in 2021 and London 2 Barcelona in 2023. This next challenge to cycle with Neil 100 miles from Oxford to Cambridge is going to be tough but Neil is determined even with the progression of Parkinsons.

These challenges always involve a lot of work to get Neil to the start, but getting him through the night running and keeping him safe are the my main priorities.

I am incredibly proud of him, who he is, what he achieves and why he does what he does to support others with Parkinson's.


STEPH HOlton

I started running with my husband in my mid forties, 15 years ago, I have progressed from 5k to Ultra marathons with long distance trail running being my preferred choice.

I felt very excited and honoured that my friend Neil asked me to support him, although at the point of asking, I’d literally just finished running 200+ miles on Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Trail. There was no doubt in my mind, the answer would be a definite YES!  

I have some first hand knowledge of Parkinson’s and understand the importance of raising awareness, but seeing Neil complete, what could possibly be his last challenge, means a lot to me and to see him get to finish it is my sole motivation, although I do draw the line at a piggy back!  

Derek Darby

I’m 52 and I've been running for about 8 years.

I love running trail, ultra distances and being in mountainous environments.

I'm supporting Neil on his Oxbridge challenge as I only supported him on 1 leg of JOGLE but it left an impression on me, so much so I knew on his London 2 Barcelona challenge I wanted to support him as much as possible, that turned out to be 3 days and again I loved it.

When Neil said about his Oxbridge challenge I knew I had to be involved, opportunities like this don't come up often. Neil is an inspiration and is truly the reason for me finding this amazing ultra outlet, so to give my time and energy back in supporting him feels good.