MEMBERS of the Shiplake Shakers walking club are putting their best foot forward to raise money for the Thames Valley group at Parkinson’s UK.
Leading the way is Nick Wrigley, 74, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2016. So far the Shakers have raised £1,015 to fund better treatments and a cure for the condition.
Members will join the Walk for Parkinson’s at Henley on Sunday, October 8. In the Thames Valley area alone there are 4,866 people living with the condition.
Nick from Shiplake, said: “This will be my fifth Walk for Parkinson’s. My motto has always been that one day, I want to be able to say that ‘I had Parkinson’s”.
Nick is calling on others to join him and the Shiplake Shakers on the walk to boost the amount raised by the club.
Katy Slade, regional fundraiser for the Thames Valley at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.
“In the Thames Valley area alone there are 4,900 people living with the condition. Every hour, two more people in the UK are diagnosed, meaning one in 37 people alive today will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s in their lifetime.
“There’s no cure for Parkinson’s. Yet. But if we all come together and take part in Walk for Parkinson’s, we can make a difference to the lives of people with Parkinson’s. We can make breakthroughs. We can find a cure.
“Whatever your age or fitness level, we’d love to see you at Henley-on-Thames to Walk for Parkinson’s. Take the first step and sign up today.”
There are two routes exploring the woodlands and fields of the Culden Faw Estate, the first is a fully accessible one-mile walk, and then second a more challenging six-mile route.
Walkers will warm up together, walk together, and finish together as they start and end their walk in the event village with the Parkinson’s community. There is also the chance to grab a drink, take part in activities and receive information about Parkinson’s in the event village.
It costs £12 to sign up to Walk for Parkinson’s (under 18s go free) with a suggested £50 minimum in sponsorship.
All walkers will receive a fundraising pack with tips and advice, sponsorship forms and an exclusive Walk for Parkinson’s T-shirt to wear on the day.
As well as walkers, the charity is on the look-out for volunteers to help on the day. To find out more about Walk for Parkinson’s and to sign up to walk or volunteer visit: parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/walk-parkinsons or email: walk@parkinsons.org.uk
