Why Parkinson's UK?

My twin sister and brother in law have always been very active despite both having a severe visual impairment. They run their own business, have walked the Thames path together, and have even gone skiing in Norway and the USA! We have had so much fun over the years with trips to the theatre and wine-fueled parties! Recently though, my brother-in-law has found daily tasks more difficult, he became exhausted and his speech became very weak. We were naturally very concerned. Eventually, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's, which was a massive shock to us all. Parkinson's UK have been a massive support to him and my twin sister prior to, and following the diagnosis. They have provided a listening ear, lots of reassurance and practical advice on how to deal with medical professionals in order to get the most appropriate treatment. They even run an amazing short course for people who are recently diagnosed and their loved ones! The Parkinson's UK shop has also been invaluable, with handy aids and equipment to help make life with Parkinson's more comfortable and enjoyable for him. I want to raise money for Parkinson's UK, so other people have the opportunity to benefit from their outstanding service. In addition of course, we all want a cure to be found for this progressive disease, which plants such uncertainty and anguish into people's lives, and in the meantime, for more effective treatments to be sought. This vital work can't continue without financial support from the likes of you and me!

So why a 24-hour challenge?

I particularly wanted to challenge myself to stay awake for 24 hours, as many people with Parkinson's have difficulty with sleep. As someone who suffered insomnia for many years, I appreciate just how miserable, lonely and debilitating this can be and I want to stand in solidarity with everyone in this position!

And why The Genius Square? I hear you ask.

Well I was introduced to this wonderful puzzle game on a very wet day while staying with friends in Gloucestershire. As I'm blind, I found the game very challenging, as my spatial awareness is somewhat lacking! I'm also very mathematically challenged, which doesn't help much either! I wanted something I could do that was frustrating because even everyday tasks can prove difficult for people with Parkinson's and I want to draw attention to this. I may not be a master at Genius Square, but I am determined to keep going, completing as many puzzles as I can, despite the frustration and weariness! I also wanted to do something which I can play solo as well as competitively, as I guess I won't get many volunteers to pitch their wits against me at 3am, will I?

So how will the challenge work?

I will play Genius Square non-stop from 9am on Saturday 23rd October until 9am on Sunday 24th October, and if you fancy it, you can drop in on Zoom to play against me if you have your own Genius Square board, or just to keep my pecker up and see how I'm getting on - I'd really appreciate that!!! I can be found by visiting: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/7566751533?pwd=WXYwSXUveElwa2llSGNkY014dHVuZz09 Meeting ID: 756 675 1533 Passcode: 8UkZqc

Very sadly, I can no longer offer you the invitation to play against me in person, as we have a positive covid case in the house, but your donations will be more than welcome! They will really spur me on!!! As would lots of cake ... or am I pushing my luck?!!!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page to help me to support Parkinson's UK in honour of my brother-in-law.

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.