On the 24th and 25th of August 2024, I'll be racing the Dawn to Dusk 24 hour enduro race, solo, in aid of Parkinson's UK.

Why?

In the summer of 2020, my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

For most people, Parkinson's makes them think of older people with a tremour, but it's so much more than that.

It's the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.

All donators will have their name on the bike for the event (if you want this please make sure to put your name in when you donate) and however long they last after!

About Parkinson's

Everyone has a different experience, and there is a huge variety of symptoms - the tremour being just one of them.

In my Dad's case it comprises of the tremour, slowness, rigidity, hand eye coordination, memory and thinking problems and a general roughness; all of which varies in severity from day to day, hour to hour.

Medication helps to supress the symptoms, but even on a good day doesn't get him back to his old self.

There is no cure as yet, but big strides are being made in research assisting with diagnosis and treatment - but there's a long way to go.

What about Parkinson's UK?

Parkinson's UK fulfil two primary roles:

Firstly, providing support for those effected by Parkinson's by spreading awareness, providing information, organising local groups, providing practical and mental support and helping people financially.

Secondly, they fund ground-breaking research into the disease.

Partnering with organisations from around the globe to fast-track promising discoveries; backing the best and brightest minds to unlock the ideas that will lead to new treatments, and one day a cure.

So what's the race?

Largely considered one of the hardest endurance tests of man and machine in the UK off road racing scene, the Dawn to Dusk comprises of a number of different races and categories. 6, 12 and 24 hour races available to do in teams or solo - with the 24 hour solo race being the toughest prize.

I'm hoping many people will remember my attempt last year, raising money for Cancer Research, wearing a giant inflatable pink flamingo.

Unfortunately "Pinky" didn't make it to the end.

This year, my ambitions out-weigh my stupidity - so giant inflatables will not be making a return.

However from the ashes (well, melted goo) rises Flamingo Racing - a new moniker for my racing ambitions.

Despite going up against mostly lightweight enduro bikes, I will be aiming for a top 10 finish on the mighty 701 - weighing 50kg more than the majority of the competition.

Last year in the 24 hour solo category there were 107 entrants, 88 starters and 78 finishers. I came 31st overall and beat the few other "big bikes" in the race.

So this year, I will be putting in a lot of personal effort and training to get race fit, build up the endurance and stamina to achieve these goals.

This page is not about me - but about the cause, charity and the fundraiser. However this does come at personal cost. If you'd like to support my personal costs for racing an event like this, please head over to my page here to learn about sponsorship.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.