Ayr mum’s London Marathon mission in memory of Parkinson’s battle – with support from local autocare couple

An Ayrshire woman is preparing to take on the 2027 London Marathon in memory of her mum, after being selected to represent Parkinson’s UK at the world-famous race.

Ainsley Sweeney was chosen from more than 2,000 applicants and has pledged to raise at least £2,300 for the charity. Her challenge is closely connected to her family’s experience of Parkinson’s, after her mum lived with the condition for many years before dying in 2020.

The race will take place on April 24, 2027. That date would have been Ainsley’s mum’s 77th birthday, adding a poignant coincidence to a goal she describes as a lifelong ambition.

Support from Andrew Dodds Autocare

Ainsley’s fundraising received a boost from local couple Andy and CaroleAnne Dodds of Andrew Dodds Autocare. The pair were discussing her marathon plans and fundraising campaign when Ayrshire Daily News editor Euan Ruddick learned about the challenge during a visit to the business to collect his car.

Ruddick recognised Ainsley from the years she worked at West of the Moon and discovered the personal story behind her decision to run for Parkinson’s UK.

Andy and CaroleAnne have made a financial contribution to the campaign, donated several prizes for a charity raffle and are helping sell tickets to friends and customers. Their support has turned the fundraising effort into a wider local contribution, involving the couple’s network as well as the family and friends backing Ainsley.

Ainsley said: “I’m totally blown away, not only by the raffle prizes and the donation, but also by your support. I had a wee cry in the car when Pippa and I left.”

She later described the couple’s contribution as vital to the campaign.

Ainsley said: “I am incredibly fortunate to have the support of Andy and CaroleAnne Dodds, who have not only donated to my fundraising but have supplied several prizes for my charity raffle.”

She added: “Their help and support is and will be invaluable.”

Running in her mum’s memory

The Parkinson’s UK cause has a deeply personal meaning for Ainsley. She said her mum faced the effects of the disease with courage and dignity, and that watching someone close to her live with Parkinson’s changed how she viewed the condition.

Ainsley said: “Parkinson’s UK isn’t just a charity to me, it’s deeply personal. My mum was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and faced every challenge the disease threw at her with remarkable courage, determination and dignity.”

She said her mum “fought bravely for many years before sadly passing away in 2020” and explained that the illness affects relatives as well as the person diagnosed.

Ainsley said: “It affects not only the person with the diagnosis but the entire family, leaving a lasting impact that never truly fades.”

Since her mum’s death, Ainsley has looked for ways to honour her memory while supporting other families affected by Parkinson’s. In 2025, she raised money for Parkinson’s UK by completing the Moray Coastal Race.

She said each challenge allowed her to continue her mum’s fight while contributing to the charity’s work.

Ainsley said: “Knowing that the funds raised help support families facing the same challenges we did, while also driving forward groundbreaking research, gives every mile and every fundraising effort real purpose.”

Family fundraising plans

Ainsley’s 11-year-old daughter, Pippa, is also preparing to take part in the Junior Great Scottish Run at the beginning of October 2026. She will complete the event in memory of her gran and help her mum move closer to the £2,300 target.

The charity raffle supported by Andy and CaroleAnne Dodds is scheduled for September 25, 2026. The couple will continue promoting the fundraiser and selling tickets through their friends and customers.

The marathon will take place during Ainsley’s 50th year. She said reaching that milestone had prompted her to reflect on the importance of giving back, and that completing one of the world’s most recognised races for a cause connected to her family would be a meaningful way to mark it.

Ainsley said: “I can’t think of a more meaningful way to celebrate than by taking on one of the greatest physical challenges for a cause that means so much to me.”

She added: “Every step I take will be in memory of my mum and in support of everyone currently living with Parkinson’s.”

Money raised through the campaign will support Parkinson’s UK’s work providing information and support to people living with the condition and their families, while also contributing to research into improved treatments and a potential cure.

Ainsley plans to continue training and fundraising in the months before the marathon. She hopes that sharing her family’s experience will increase awareness of Parkinson’s and encourage support for people affected by it.

She said: “Crossing the finish line will be an unforgettable personal achievement, but knowing I have done it in my mum’s memory and for everyone affected by Parkinson’s will make it truly priceless.”