In September 2021 a Positively Parkinson's team of 12 individuals swam across the Solent to the Isle of Wight to raise over £47,000 for Cure Parkinson's with the Big Splash 2021. This team included 3 people living with Parkinson's, demonstrating what is achievable with determination and support from sponsors who donated so generously.

This year we want an even bigger impact.

The Big Tri 2023 Challenge will see a Positively Parkinson's team take on an epic Swim, Bike and Hike challenge over the summer to raise awareness for Parkinson's and funds for Cure Parkinson's.

The challenge will see us take on:

Swim - Isle of Wight Circumnavigation Relay Swim - July 2023. This challenge is being undertaken by a team of 10 swimmers. Each completing an hour in the water and then swapping. The relay is going to take approximately 35 hours to complete which means swimming through the night in whatever conditions the south of England throws at them.

Bike - John O'Groats to Lands End by Bike - August 2023. The bike phase of the Big Tri is a duo team, with one of the riders having Parkinson's. The aim is to complete the ride in less than two weeks.

Hike - The Big Hike - September 2023. This part of the challenge is open to anyone who would like to join us as we hike up Mt. Snowdon. We are going to ascend up the 9 mile hike with a view for all to arrive at the top as a group, where the challenge will finish.

As well as taking on these epic challenges, we'd love for you to get involved and arrange your own Swim, Bike and/or Hike in your community over the summer and collectively help raise vital funds for Cure Parkinson's.

To design your very own challenge, just choose from the Big Tri’s exercise disciplines of Swim (pool, open water facility or even learning to swim!) Bike (recreational, keep fit or competitive) and Hike (walking, jogging or running). The distance and timeframe is completely up to you. You could do it all in one day, or complete your challenge over a period of days, weeks or months. Whatever you choose, you will be joining a fantastic positive community coming together to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and funds for curative research.

For more information on how to organise your own Swim, Bike or Hike in your community please email Rachel via rachel.hunt@cureparkinsons.org.uk .

For sponsorship opportunities please email info@positivelyparkinsons.co.uk

Thank you for your support.

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Positively Parkinson's was established to support those living with Parkinson's to live positively despite their condition. This includes remaining active in work and hobbies. An increasingly important element is exercise which compliments medication. It is amazing what people with this condition can achieve, given the right support and education. That is the very essence of our Challenge approach. Being active increases determination, confidence and empowers positivity, which improves a persons well being and also relates to many neurological conditions.

https://www.positivelyparkinsons.co.uk/