A family from West Bridgford and The Wirral will be walking from New Brighton to West Kirby in May to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK.
Led by Laura Bloor, 39, the group have all decided to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK because they all have loved ones living with the condition.
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed. There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.
Laura decided to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK as her father-in-law, Richard Bloor, was living for the condition for many years before he passed away in 2017. She will be completing the walk alongside her husband Greg, son Harry, other family members, Leanne, Bella, Reece and friend Catherine.
Laura said :“Richard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in his 50s and the condition quickly took over his life. He struggled mainly with his posture and mobility, but also with his speech and tremor. Because of Parkinson’s, he couldn’t be the grandfather he wanted to be to Harry, he couldn’t pick him up or play sports with him, which was frustrating as Richard was a keen footballer and also loved to play cricket & golf.
“We wanted to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK as Richard received a lot of support from his local Parkinson’s support group and dedicated his time to fundraising for the charity through a variety of walking challenges too!”
The group of friends will aim to complete their challenge on Saturday 13 May 2023. Richard’s wife, Anne, will complete an alternative walk that is also 7.3 miles long in the Highlands, where she will be on holiday at that time with her friend Linda.
Kirsty Berrigan and Rebecca Landolt, Heads of Regional Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are so grateful to the group for taking on this incredible challenge for Parkinson’s UK.
“Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world and around 145,000 people in the UK are living with it. There are more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there’s currently no cure. We at Parkinson’s UK are here for everyone affected by the condition and fund research into the most promising treatments.
“We hope that this fundraising challenge inspires you to organise your own walk, and help fund our vital work. We’ll be with you every step of the way.”
To sponsor the group visit www.justgiving.com/page/harry-and-friends-walk
To organise your own walk visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/organise-your-own-walk