On 18 August 2013, Beth, Sarah, Rebecca, Jonny, Dom and Helen will be taking on a mammoth challenge to raise money for the Barnsley and District branch of Parkinson’s UK.

There are six of us; three sisters, a husband, a boyfriend and our 'adopted' sister. We’re each walking 28 miles across the Yorkshire Dales, taking in two of the three peaks as part of the Jane Tomlinson Walk for All - that’s a whopping 168 miles in total!

We’re taking on the challenge because our mum and grandma have Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition which occurs when nerve cells in the brain have died, resulting in reduced levels of dopamine. Parkinson’s causes tremors, makes movements slower, and induces rigidity. Symptoms vary from person to person, but for those affected ordinary tasks – things as simple as eating, walking and talking - become challenging and exhausting. There’s no cure for Parkinson’s disease and nobody knows why it occurs.

Parkinson’s affects one in 500 people in the UK. Most are aged over 50, but it affects younger people too. Our mum was just 49 when she was diagnosed. Life goes on, but even the most menial of tasks becomes harder as the disease progresses.

The Barnsley and District branch of Parkinson’s UK runs tailored keep fit classes and provides a great source of support and general social wellbeing for mum and many others who live with the disease. All of the funds we raise from our walk will go towards the invaluable activities of the Barnsley branch.

168 miles is a long way (and we’re a little scared!) but every step will be our way of showing our support to those living with Parkinson’s, and saying thank you to the Barnsley branch for supporting our mum.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. Your details are safe. Once you donate, JustGiving will send your money directly to Parkinson’s UK, which has agreed to redirect the funds we raise to the Barnsley and District branch. This is the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity, but if you’d prefer to donate in person just let us know.

Please dig deep and sponsor us.