My Mum, Ruth & I had planned to take part in the Great Glen Challenge on 9th May 2020 - a 32.5 mile hike above the shores of Loch Ness in Inverness for Parkinson's UK. Unfortunately, the Challenge had to be cancelled due to Covid so Mum and I have decided to bring a challenge of our own home to Yorkshire!

On 29th May 2021, we will be hiking 32.5 miles along the shores of various Yorkshire Dales reservoirs within 12 hours, all in aid of Parkinson's UK!

We will start at Scar House Reservoir in Nidderdale, into Washburndale to Thruscross, Fewston & Swinsty Reservoirs ending in Wharfedale at Lindley Wood Reservoir. Us Girdhams love a walk but this is going to be quite an endeavour to do on our own and in the 12 hour time limit!

Why are we doing the Challenge?

My brilliant Mother-In-Law-to-be Pat was sadly diagnosed with Parkinson's 2 years ago.  It was such a shock for her, her husband Jim and the rest of the family. Pat leads a very full and active life, she's a pillar within her local community of Chester, is a devoted Mum and Gran to her 3 children and 6 grandchildren and supports countless charities including driving for Macmillan and being a long standing committee member for Diabetes UK.

Not only is she kind, loving and thoughtful, she has incredible strength and has shown great determination following her diagnosis.  Nonetheless, as for most people living with Parkinson's, we do not know how the condition will continue to affect Pat and the speed at which it will progress in the coming days, months and years.

What is Parkinson's?

Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition.  It affects everyone differently but common symptoms include tremors or shaking, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness.  The progression of Parkinson's differs from person to person and symptoms can change from day to day or even hour to hour.

Finding a cure for Parkinson's is a difficult business because the condition is so complex. A range of therapies and treatments is needed for each individual form of the condition in order to; diagnose at the earliest possible stage; slow progression, manage symptoms and replace or repair damaged brain cells.

Parkinson's UK's mission is to develop better treatments and find a cure that people with Parkinson's so desperately need! The more funding available, the faster this mission can be achieved - in years rather than decades.

Thank you

We’ve been training hard to beat the 12 hour clock on the day of our challenge (which has involved lots of blisters, getting lost several times, being chased by cows and even Mum being bitten by a farm dog!) so we would really appreciate any kind support you can offer for us doing this challenge in aid of such an important cause. Please give generously, for Parkinson's UK and, for Pat xxx