Raised: 98%
Target: £6,000.00
Raised so far: £5,865.00
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My story

 

Later this year I will be walking the Great Wall of China (well at least part of it!) with 43 other people to raise money for the Parkinson's Disease Society.  We will be walking between 14 and 18 km over steep and uneven terrain in October.  In total we will be walking 80 km (about 50 miles) over five consecutive days. We aim to raise as much money as possible to go towards funding research into this debilitating disease and for providing support for Parkinson's sufferers and their families.

Some of you may be aware that I was diagnosed with the disease just over two years ago (21st March 2007 to be precise).  While the disease is still in its early stages and the medication is helping my symptoms, it does nonetheless affect my everyday life.  The type of Parkinson’s that I'm suffering from the effects my right side. My writing has become very laboured and small (even worse than it was before!) and using a computer keyboard is difficult because my right hand doesn't react as quickly as my left (I am actually dictating this to my computer using some very clever software).  Worst of all I find “twiddling” my Spaghetti Bolognese using a fork and spoon almost impossible!  As for my right leg, I tend to scuff my foot because my leg doesn't naturally lift as high as my left when I walk.

In spite of this I'm still able to lead a relatively normal life.  However at some point I know it will get worse.  What I don't know is when things will deteriorate, so it's a bit like living with a time-bomb not knowing when it has been set to explode. I have decided therefore to have a go at this trek while I am still able.Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Parkinson's Disease Society gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!

Well done! With best wishes. Donation by Jane and Patrick O'Callaghan 21/11/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Well done Mate have some dosh in retrospect Donation by Philip Murgatroyd 19/11/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Well done Mike - it must have been a life changing experience. Hope this helps towards achieving your target. Donation by Ron and Tricia Fisher 18/11/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Well done Mike. We all look forward to seeing the photos! Donation by Christopher Epps 16/11/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Such an achievement Mike, can't wait to hear about your adventures in China. Well Done x Donation by Kate and Paul Stanger 03/11/09  

£20.00

Donation by Ian Garner 26/10/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Wow, what an inspiring challenge - good luck and hope you enjoy China Donation by Helen Felstead, WRAP 23/10/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Walking the dog wont be quite so exciting from now on. Well Done, we are all proud of you. :) Donation by Doug & Clare Newman 22/10/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Well done from Rob and family. Donation by Sue Timmis 16/10/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Good luck with the walk!! Donation by Nick & Melanie Bristow 15/10/09  

£40.00 + £11.28 Gift Aid

Hope you are having a great time, Mike! Donation by Jane and Chris Wardale 13/10/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Very best wishes to you and Mark; we are very impressed! A great cause, we wish you well. Roger & Melanie Donation by Roger Goddard 13/10/09  

Hope you've not got blisters! Donation by Katherine 12/10/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Mike, with you in spirit all the way and if you are tempted to just keep on going and not come back I'll happily pop over and visit. Donation by Nick Kightley 09/10/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Didn't know who you were before! Seeing you downstairs and hearing justifies the donation totally! Best of luck, Donation by katie christensen (WRAP) 09/10/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good Luck Mike! I spent a weekend camping out on the great wall and it was amazing! Donation by Lowelle Bryan 09/10/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Go Mike Go! above all enjoy your challenge, good luck and we'll be thinking of you. Sally & Annabel Donation by Sally Green 09/10/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck and have a Great time - Peter Donation by P Mainprize 09/10/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Good luck Mike Donation by Ian Wardle 09/10/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Go for it Mike - and have a Tsing Tao on me at the end! Donation by Mike Watson 07/10/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

All the best Mike!! Donation by Sindy Matthews 07/10/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck Mike, you can do it!!! Donation by tim luckett 06/10/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Dear Mike - I am full of admiration for you. Will be praying you on your way!! Look forward to seeing the pics. Sarah Donation by Sarah Brown 04/10/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Good luck with the trek Mike. Donation by Sara Mellor 02/10/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Mike, hope you have a fantastic trip Donation by Carolyn Grant 29/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck Mike Just think about the AWM spreadsheet if you get bored!! A magnificent effort in a great cause - Good Luck!! Donation by Julia Turner 25/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck, Mike Donation by Alison Day 25/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck Mike - bring back lots of pics! Donation by Janet Kingsnorth 25/09/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

have a fantastic walk Mike - hope that it all goes really well and we will expect to see the pictures when you get back! Nina Donation by Nina Sweet 25/09/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Have a wonderful trip, it sounds like a great adventure. Donation by Alan Williams 25/09/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid
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* Total raised online: £3,645.00
  Offline donations: £2,220.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £1,001.28

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