Last year, I rode by bike across the Lofoten Islands, climbing the equivalent of Mont Blanc and covering some 700km. This year, we move south and ride across Portugal.

Why did I do it? Well, for two reasons:

Firstly, because I want to show Parkinson's that it is I who decides what I can do and not my condition. Plus I want to prove to myself and to everyone else that Parkinson's will not limit what I, or anyone, can achieve.

Just as importantly, I did it to raise much-needed funds to keep the Cheltenham Gloucestershire branch of Parkinson's UK going. So that it can keep helping support all those living with Parkinson's. Half the money raised will go to the local branch; the other half to fund Parkinson's UK work to highlight Parkinson's nationally and, ultimately, to find a cure for this degenerative neurological condition.

So, in June 2025, I'm meeting up with the same group of slightly-mad people - most of them living with Parkinson's - to cycle from the top to the toe of Portugal, covering some 850km along the way.

Then in April 2026, I'm joining Pedal-to-Phoenix, an epic ride from Seattle WA to the World Parkinson's Conference in Phoenix AZ, a slightly more challenging 3,315kms, the final bit through the Arizona desert.

Supporting me means a lot to all those who are supported by Parkinson's UK. Every penny I collect will go to Parkinson's UK - Please remember that I am self funding all my rides and not asking anyone to contribute to my costs.

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.

Note that you do not need to pay a fee to Just Giving - When donating, just choose your own fee to JG and then set to anything you want, including zero. I just feel the default 15% is too much!