In 2017 I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.  It is a bit of bore but I am fortunate in that it is currently largely manageable with medication, exercise and a positive mental attitude!  It can be hard work keeping on top of it and some days are more challenging than others.

Parkinson’s is an insidious neuro-degenerative condition for which there is no cure and it manifests itself on its’ victims with a multitude and variety of embuggerances from stiffness and muscle cramps resulting in the agility of a drunken sloth to insomnia and uncontrollable movements!  On diagnosis my neurologist told me that PD is very much a ‘boutique’ disease with no one person presenting with the same suite of symptoms.  For me, it is typically stiffness, cramps, fatigue and muscle spasms and exercise is a great tonic at alleviating the symptoms.

So to the challenge which my great friend, David Pollock, I and the Team are undertaking.  Last year Covid prevented the event taking place and instead a group of us undertook a local Mt Ventoux challenge in Wales which was very generously supported.  This year whilst I still have the semblance of ability to attempt the Alpine summits more normally frequented by the Tour de France, I rashly have been determined to join Will Cook and Mike Tindall on one of their Cure Parkinson’s Raid Alpine Challenges and David has very bravely volunteered to be my lead out rider!

Therefore in July 2022,  we are taking on a mammoth challenge - Cure Parkinson's Raid Alpine.  It is, certainly for David and I, a massive challenge and certainly the hardest thing we have ever attempted with recent bouts of Covid certainly not helping either of us with the training.

Departing from the shores of Lake Geneva and finishing in Antibes, we will traverse 770km and 19,104m of vertical ascent across 6 days. That is over two times the height of Mount Everest!

Driven to cure, this agile charity funds cutting edge Parkinson's research and unites the worlds leading experts under one cause. Cure Parkinson's can only continue to have this impact with the support from people like me and you. The last two years have been incredibly challenging for Cure Parkinson's and they receive no government funding. But, with our help we can keep them on the course to Cure. 

By donating to our page, you will help to fund Cure Parkinson's research with potential to slow, stop or reverse Parkinson's.

Heartfelt and massive thanks from us both for any contributions you are able to make.