Alison's Story

It was only after I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2015, that I discovered a love of cycling. It is through cycling that I have met some amazing people and had some incredible adventures. Most importantly, it is cycling that has helped me keep fit and active which enables me to live as well as I can with Parkinson's.

This year, the 10th 'anniversary' of my diagnosis. I want to mark the occasion by doing something out of the ordinary. So, on June 15th this year, exactly ten years after I was diagnosed, I plan to be near Yellowstone National Park, USA, 1,000 miles into a 4,500 mile cycle from the West to the East coast of America.

Accompanied by my husband John and friends Caroline and Paul, w

we will set off in May to cycle from Seaside, on the Pacific coast, all the way across the Rockies, the Great Divide, parks, plains, prairies and everything in between until we reach the Atlantic coast. For my husband and I that will be Portland, Maine and for Caroline and Paul, it will be Yorktown, Virginia.

We have no support so will have to carry everything we need with us on our bikes for this 100+ day adventure. This will certainly add to the challenge.

As a long term supporter and more recently, a Trustee of Cure Parkinson's, I am in awe of the energy, the commitment, the enthusiasm, the innovation and the expertise the charity puts in to the relentless pursuit to find a treatment to slow, stop or reverse Parkinson's which would make a difference to the lives of millions of people worldwide.

Their funding and innovation has redefined the field of Parkinson’s research, enabling the world’s leading researchers to prioritise the next generation of drugs for clinical trial. Together we will conquer Parkinson’s.

John's Story

Alison has planned a personal cycling challenge every year since she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. These challenges have become one of the highlights of the year for me and many others. Alison has managed to inspire a great many people to take up cycling for many reasons, which of course include raising the hope of a cure for Parkinson’s. I was never a cyclist, but it was a case of sign up or be left behind. It quickly became clear that these challenges were so much more than exercise. Teamwork, adventure and exploration around the globe, physical and psychological support, opportunities to meet and share things with others, stunning scenery, and of course a great deal of fun.

The 10th anniversary of her diagnosis stimulated a lot of reflection in our house. Alison was determined to show there was still hope after a decade. I was not expecting an unsupported ride across the USA, but that is what we are doing. Supported for much of this by Paul and Caroline, it is of no surprise that many of our friends wish to join us for some of the journey. It will truly be a challenge and an adventure.

I am a man who spent time divided between endoscopy (my day job) and chasing balls on pitches and courts (my down time). I now love bikes and cycling. I have learned to love each cycling challenge. This will test my fitness and stamina – someone who has played sports all my life and does not have Parkinson’s. Respect to Alison, who I will do my best to support. My wife has always had a strong influence over me, but I could never have contemplated this without her drive and ambition.

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