From 2015 to 2017 I was lucky enough to be on the GDNF phase 2 trial which completely reversed my Parkinson’s and whilst I still enjoy good function; the Disease is marching on.

I am a 4 time Ironman Triathlete, in 1986 I was 52nd in the European Ironman championship. In 2008 I was invited to take part in the World Half Ironman Championship as a Parkinson sufferer. Unfortunately in recent years I have not been able to continue my Triathlon pursuits.

The GDNF Participant's Unifying Challenge will take place from 1st September 2021 and finish on the 14th September 2021.

42 teams (representing the number who took part in the trial) will each complete 100 miles over the course of 10 days. They will run, cycle, walk or hike to meet the target of 4,200 miles.

I will be embarking on a 10 day walk along the Cleveland Way, my biggest challenge in years.

Scientists are starting to recognise the potential in Neurotrophic Factors more broadly to unlock the cure for Parkinson's.

Challenge Participants want to unify the community and charities to:

 - Raise awareness and urgency

 - Learn from the experience of the GDNF Participants to put those affected by PD at the heart of trial design

Search "Bob GDNF Unifying Challenge" on Facebook to join my group and follow my progress.