A teenager running to raise money to fight Parkinson’s disease says he is doing it so others do not suffer as his grandmother did.

Gabriel Segall, 17, who lives in Tuxford Close, Borehamwood, will be taking part in the Watford Half Marathon on Sunday to raise money for Parkinsons UK.

His grandmother, Norma Segall, suffered from the debilitating condition for 25 years, and succumbed to it earlier this month, aged 78.

Gabriel, who is a student at Elstree UTC, said he had been inspired by his father Alan Segall, a keen marathon runner, to take part in the challenge.

He said: “This is my first ever running competition, and I’m nervous, but I’m enjoying the training and looking forward to the race. It feels as though I am carrying on a tradition by running in her memory, as my father did the same for many years.

"I am sure she would have been proud of me.”

Gabriel has already raised £250 and is hoping to reach his target of £300 by the end of the week.

He added: “Every hour someone in the UK is told they have Parkinson's and it can be a very stressful time knowing what is eventually going to take your life.

“The people at Parkinson's UK put huge amounts of time and effort into help, volunteering and researching to find a cure for this disorder.

“The smallest donation to Parkinson's UK will be a great help and every donation takes them closer to finding a cure.”

To sponsor Gabriel, visit www.justgiving.com/WHM-runningfornorma