Jon’s Story 

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease on the 26th February 2021. That date is etched in my mind. I was shocked, scared, overwhelmed by a sense of grief…it felt like everything that I had ever taken for granted was gone. 

Fifteen months later, I am more accepting of my illness and day to day life has returned to a degree of normality. I am more understanding of the diagnosis and live with both hope and determination that it won’t stop me living my life as I always wanted and expected to. 

The medical stuff... 

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition. This means that it causes problems in the brain and generally gets worse over time. Around 145,000 people live with Parkinson’s in the UK, and it is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. I am in good company – Billy Connolly, Michael J Fox, Neil Diamond, Ozzy Osbourne and Jeremy Paxman all suffer from Parkinson’s. 

There is currently no cure. Treatments are available to help relieve symptoms and to help maintain quality of life. Most people with Parkinson’s have a normal or near normal life expectancy. Modern medications and treatments mean that most people can manage their symptoms and reduce their occurrence or severity. 

The fundraising...

Over the past few years, I have enjoyed my cycling, particularly trips to the French Alps and Pyrenees. One particular challenge that has often floated around the back of my mind is cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats, traversing the length of Great Britain from south to north, “End to End”. So, bearing in mind the change of circumstances, thought we better crack on with it! 

After persuading my good friend Martin John that this was indeed a good idea, and with the support of our amazing families and friends, we will be setting off from Land’s End at the southern tip of Cornwall on the 11th September and will be aiming to complete this epic adventure of just over 1000 miles in 12 days. The training is hard, and I can’t lie, the whole journey ahead is a daunting prospect. But I am determined to give it my best shot. 

As well as our own personal sense of achievement, we are hoping to raise as much money as possible for Parkinson’s UK, more specifically, Parkinson’s Support Groups throughout Devon & Cornwall. This network of support has really been hugely supportive and helpful for newly diagnosed patients like me over the past few months, so giving something back to them to help fund future support groups would really mean a lot. 

We are hoping to raise over £1000 which would help make me feel that I am using my Parkinson’s diagnosis in a positive way, and that some good will come from it. Any support will be hugely appreciated. Money raised will be used in the South West.

Thanks 

Jon