My father was diagnosed with Parkinson's about four years ago. After keeping remarkably active since retirement, once sailing from Spain to the west coast of Greece,  and acting ten years younger than his years, he has progressively lost mobility and confidence.

At about the same time one of my work colleagues who was younger than me also was diagnosed with Parkinson's which brought it home to me that this is a condition that affects not only the elderly. 

I felt that I wanted to do something while blessed with reasonable mobility and the ride I have planned, cycling from my door to his in the first days of June, will be a real test for me; it will be over 20 miles further than I have ever cycled before in one day. 

I didn't realise till recently that every hour two people are told they have Parkinson's. It can affect anyone and there is currently no cure. As there is no cure for Parkinson’s, Parkinson's Care and Support UK  aim to ensure that people live well for as long as possible with the condition, whilst funding non-pharmaceutical research to help prevent, slow down progression and reverse Parkinson’s. They provide FREE exercise, respite care, neurological physiotherapy, information, advice, support groups and are developing a CBT Helpline to help people with Parkinson's with anxiety and depression.

You never know when you or a loved one might need that support. Please give as generously as you feel able. It will make the pain of the training and those last 20 miles of the ride truly worthwhile.