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Over the past 15 years I have undertaken several high altitude treks, namely climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, to Base Camp Everest and to the summit of Mount Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains. I am now 58 years old and was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in October  2017. So far it has not restricted me as it is in the early stages although I do have a persistent tremor on my right side for now. I am still working as a Teaching Assistant. 

However, I am under no illusions that I will stay at this level of functionality for ever. Parkinson's is a horrible neuro-degenerative disease that one day will spread to my other side and get gradually worse. There are around 145,000 sufferers in the UK, about 1 in every 350, and around 10 million people worldwide. 

Faced with this prognosis, I decided I needed to take on another trekking challenge while I can, both from a personal point of view but also to raise money for Parkinson's UK for research and speed the day when nobody has to fear this disease. So I consulted with Parkinson's UK and they came up with the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Perfect, I thought. 

We now have an eclectic group of 10 friends and family so far, with an age range from early 20's to early 60's, who have all committed to completing this challenge with me over Easter 2020. Training has started!

There has been remarkable progress in the quest to find a cure for Parkinson's in the last year. The scientists are getting closer and closer, but as yet there is no cure for this debilitating disease which slowly eats away at it's victims. We need all the help we can get in moving towards that final push over the line, for the benefit of all.

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