Thank you for visiting my Just Giving page. This August, I’m raising money for Parkinson’s UK in memory of my grandad. 

Geoff Jenkins was born in May 1938 and passed away in March 2021. He suffered from Parkinson’s Disease for the last few years of his life. Unfortunately he deteriorated quickly during his last year and, with the restrictions of the Covid 19 pandemic, I wasn’t able to see him in person before he passed away. I don’t think I quite realised how quickly the deterioration could happen or how much of an impact Parkinson’s would have on his life and I’ll always grieve for the fact that I wasn’t able to say goodbye.

145,000 people in the UK live with Parkinson’s Disease right now and it’s the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world. Hopefully some of the money I raise will contribute towards finding a cure quicker.

The challenge

To raise money, I’ve set myself a challenge. This August, I’ll walk 200 miles over the month. Why 200 miles? Well, Parkinson’s UK is celebrating its 52nd birthday this year and, had I had the opportunity to walk from my home in the Midlands to my grandad’s flat to see him one last time, I would’ve had 148 miles to tackle. So a mile per Parkinson’s UK birthday, plus the miles I would’ve travelled if it hadn’t been for Covid, seemed like a good challenge to set myself.

A canal adventure 

My grandad loved walking and he also loved looking out for wildlife. I remember lots of walks along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal with him where we’d look out for swans and other birds. So, part of the 200 miles is going to include my own canal adventure: walking the entire length of the Kennet & Avon Canal from Reading to Bristol. I’m sure it’s something my grandad would’ve enjoyed and I’ll be thinking of him every single day, come rain or shine.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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