Latest update. On 6th October I came home from China after completing my promise to my dear friend, Janet.  My trek was in memory of Mary and Bill Hodson.  

A life changing experience for me on a personal level.  My message to others with Parkinson's is keep a positive mind and don't stop following your dreams!

I would like to thank another very dear friend, Maria Hyslop who surprised me by joining me on my adventure.  Her support, dedication and friendship on the China Wall was truly amazing and unforgettable so thank you Maria. With love, Jackie X

I posted this in late September 2014.  

Just over 10 years ago, my dearest friend, Janet's mum passed away on 4th July 2004.  She had Parkinson's disease.  It was this sad event that motivated me to research a Kilimanjaro challenge to raise funds in aid of Parkinson's.  I, like many others, did not understand how the disease affected people and I wanted to raise money for research to help find a cure.   

With the Kilimanjaro plan in my diary for 2005, a different life changing experience happened that put my plan on hold!  I fell pregnant ... Twins!  I had two beautiful girls called Abbie and Ellie.  However, I still remembered my promise to Janet and just needed more time to raise my girls before revisiting Kilimanjaro. Life certainly got very hectic with twins around the Potter household.

Then came a significant unplanned event three years ago.  I was diagnosed with Parkinsons.  It was a terrible shock to me, my family and few close friends who knew at that time.

A "roller coaster of a ride" best describes the past three years, but I can honestly say I have not wasted any time in filling each day with things that really matter.  The inspiration behind a number of goals I have set my myself is my well talked about "Jackie's bucket list".   Absolutely no "I wish" or "if only" moments for me, so at number 2 is listed 'Parkinson's Charity to raise some serious funds'.  At number 1 is my mantra "stop and smell the roses" and this is so important to maintain my energy levels throughout the day.  

So here I am, living each day with Parkinsons (actually, IT lives with me - I decide what I can and will do most of the time), keeping a promise to my dearest friend, Janet and signed up to Trek the China Wall!  

The Trek is not until 26th September 2015 but I have pledged to raise a minimum of £3,300.  I will post a link so you can read more about the Trek and see how many hours trekking I will be doing each day and the distance I hope to cover!

How am I feeling at the moment?  A little nervous about raising the funds, but I am planning some events and I will update you all when these are finalised.  Many of my friends know I am a Hooper.  Yes, I know, a little unusual for someone with Parkinson's but I found it was great for strengthening my core muscles and co-ordination.  At number 6 on my bucket list is a qualification to teach others hooping.  I am really pleased that I am now able to run some beginners hooping sessions as part of my fundraising activities with a plan to organise a massive Hoopathone next Spring!  All great fun and I am looking forward to lots of laughter along the way.

My training plan starts after Christmas.  Travelling and being away from home will be a challenge for me but all I can say, at this early stage, is a huge 'thanks' to all my friends and family who are encouraging and supporting me.  Most of all, thanks to my Saint of a husband, David who will be with me every step of the way until I board the plane to China, and who will be in charge of two very lively 10 year olds  for ten days (or will Abbie and Ellie be in charge of Daddy?).

I hope you will have faith in me completing the challenge and help to raise much needed funds to help find a cure for this degenerative disease by donating to my chosen charity.  

In memory of Mary Hodson who died 4th July 2004.

Thank you for supporting the Parkinson's charity. 

  Jackie x

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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Some of the proceeds raised from Jackie's fundraising will be used to cover the costs of her participation in the Trek China challenge.