“Balls to Parkinson’s” my response to a life-changing diagnosis.

Mark Pritchard

When Mark Pritchard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020, he knew he needed to immerse himself in activities that would keep him active, mobile and sociable. Adamant that he wasn’t going to be defined by the disease, what started as a restless night’s “brain dump” quickly evolved into a mission to get up, get moving, get creative and do some good along the way.

The 2025 Mission: London to Brighton

In 2025, that initial spark became a reality. Mark roped in family and friends to tackle the London to Brighton bike ride. What began as a personal challenge snowballed into a team of 20 riders and a summer of dedicated fundraising.

This success was driven by B2P Fundraising Co-Chairs Jason Pritchard and Gemma Mallinson. Jason provided the business knowledge and drive to turn an idea into a reality, while Gemma brought the creativity and enthusiasm that turned B2P into a brand people wanted to get behind.

Together with their families and friends, the team raised nearly £30,000 for two charities close to their hearts: The OddBalls Foundation and Parkinson’s UK.

The 2026 Mission: London to Oxford

To raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with Parkinson’s and to promote the Parkinson’s UK Garden, coming to the JR Hospital in Oxford, The Balls to Parkinson’s Team’s next mission in 2026, will be taking part in The Blooming Parkinson’s Garden Ride, from London to Oxford, and then celebrating at The Blooming Parkinson’s Garden Party in Headington, on May 31st.

Navigating the “New Normal”

This website was initially designed to track that journey, but it has grown into something more. Having stepped back from the IT world to focus on health, fitness, and family, Mark has traded the creativity of programming for the creativity of writing (well blogging to be exact).

Steady On: the B2P Blog is where Mark navigates life with a sense of humor and a bit of 1980s-inspired perspective. Whether it’s reflecting on the geopolitical jitters of his childhood or the day-to-day reality of living with Parkinson’s, these posts aim to capture his “new normal” with honesty and a laugh. Parkinson’s is part of the story, but it’s rarely the whole script.

I try to see the positive side of the things I write about. If you enjoy the posts, or even if you have a bit of constructive feedback to help me find my voice, I’d love to hear from you. – Mark

You can explore our past events via the menu option above or support our ongoing mission by clicking the donate button above.

Our Charities

The OddBalls Foundation

The OddBalls Foundation conducts education and awareness campaigns. It breaks down the stigma linked to testicular cancer. The organization encourages men to check themselves regularly. This empowers them to find potential issues early. They can then seek help when needed.

Parkinson’s UK

Parkinson’s UK brings together families, volunteers, and campaigners. It also unites fundraisers, scientists, and healthcare professionals. The organization is driven by a powerful mission. It aims to improve life for everyone living with Parkinson’s and ultimately find a cure.