Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page

My name is Leanne Owen; I am 47 years old and live near Pontefract with my husband and 2 sons. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 42 and subsequently had to retire as an Operational Fire Fighter. I have since been involved in raising awareness and I am a keen fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK. I find it difficult to wash my hair, to fasten buttons, to lift a fried egg from a pan. The list of difficult everyday tasks goes on, but my half full cup approach allows me to focus on what I can do. What I can do is... ride a bike.

In 2012 some of you may have been involved in Noodle Relay in support of Parkinson’s Awareness Week. I hope you thought this was a worthwhile event, because I’m back in a bid to raise further awareness. Although I was involved in planning Noodles Relay in 2012, I was on holiday during awareness week, therefore unable to take part. It’s now time to make up for my absence.
With your support the planned event will link all 26 branches and groups within Yorkshire and Humber. The plan is to follow in Noodles footsteps (do Noodles have feet?), and cycle the entire route. It seemed like a simple plan, until I realised just how far Noodle had travelled, now I see it as the biggest challenge I have ever faced. Over 7 days I will cycle 477 miles. I have the support of many good people who are encouraging me to face the challenge. My challenge buddy Holly Clough (in photo above) will be there for every mile of my training and challenge, Jayne Hughes, a special Parkinson's friend has been appointed as Campaign, operations and logistic manager. Wakefield Audi will be providing a support vehicle and kit; I have pledges of sponsorship, support and cycle companions en route. I hope to achieve maximum media coverage in a bid to raise as much awareness as possible. Oh yes nearly forgot! It would be rude to miss the opportunity to fund raise along the way so there you go...dig deep, i promise to do the same.

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.