London Marathon and Switzerland to England Cycle Ride

In 2015 I will complete two challenges to raise awareness of Parkinson’s. The money raised will contribute to the excellent ongoing research into finding a cure for this debilitating illness. My father has had Parkinson’s for getting on for thirty years now and my mother works as a Volunteer Educator for Parkinson’s UK in the South-West. I have seen first-hand and am acutely aware of the negative impacts that this often misunderstood illness can have on people’s lives (both the sufferers and carers). I will continue using the same just giving account that I used before for my John-o’Groats – Land’s End cycle ride and the 2014 London Marathon. The total raised at the start of this 2015 project is £3132. I am aiming to push this total over £10000.

London Marathon (26 April, 2015)

In 2014, I took part in the London marathon http://darrenevans.wordpress.com/challenges/) The money raised was shared between the Tavistock Parkinson’s Support Group and The Education and Training Department of Parkinson's UK. I was a little disappointed with my time of 3:02, so I’m heading back there again on 26 April to try and improve on this!

Switzerland – England Cycle Ride (2 - 9 August, 2015)

I am currently preparing to cycle from my home in Düdingen, Switzerland to my childhood home in Tavistock, Devon, England where my parents still live. I am totally funding this bike trip myself. All money raised will go to Parkinson’s UK. My route will take me through Switzerland, France, and England. The total distance will be about 650 miles (1050 km) over a wide range of terrain. I hope to complete this journey in about 8 days starting on 2 August 2015. I will cycle alone, but my family will be staying with me each night at the hotel. During this cycle ride it will be possible to track me live by following a dot on an online map. It will also be possible join me for a section of the ride if you wish! For further details about this adventure, please visit 

www.switzerlandtoengland.wordpress.com 

What is Parkinson’s?

People with Parkinson's don't have enough of the chemical dopamine because some of the nerve cells in their brain have died. Without it people can find that their movements become slower so it takes longer to do things. This can make everyday activities, such as eating, getting dressed, or using a phone or computer, difficult or frustrating. As well as the symptoms that affect movement, people with Parkinson's can find that other issues, such as tiredness, pain, depression and constipation, can have an impact on their day-to-day lives.  

Every hour, someone in the UK is told they have Parkinson's. One in 20 is under the age of 40. Because of Parkinson’s UK no one has to face Parkinson's alone.

We bring people with Parkinson's, their carers and families together via our network of local groups, our website and free confidential helpline. Specialist nurses, our supporters and staff provide information and training on every aspect of Parkinson's. As the UK's Parkinson's support and research charity we're leading the work to find a cure, and we're closer than ever. We also campaign to change attitudes and demand better services. Our work is totally dependent on donations. Help us to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's.