Melody, our daughter, is raising money for the Parkinson's UK charity by cycling 215 km over three days starting on Thursday 10th August.
Parkinson's UK drives better care, treatments and quality of life for people living with Parkinson's as well as providing advice and support for their families and caregivers. There is currently no cure for Parkinson's, but drugs and therapy can help manage many of the symptoms.
In April 2002, Cynthia Awojinrin passed away from the effects of Parkinson's. The disease was fast-acting and devastating in its effects on her mind and movements and it greatly contributed to her death shortly after retiring.
Melody, Cynthia's granddaughter, was born in October 2004 and so never had an opportunity to meet this strong, friendly and generous woman who gave up a promising nursing career to raise four children alone. Melody has only a few videos and photos to inform her of her grandmother and although she has a terrific relationship with her other grandmother, Judy, we wish she could have had the chance of a similar relationship with Cynthia.
Melody is cycling 215 km from Whitehaven in Cumbria on the west coast of England to Sunderland in County Durham on the east coast via the classic Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle route. She will be accompanied by her dad while mum will be in the support vehicle (i.e. drinking tea and looking at her watch at each day's destination).
They aim to complete the ride in three days - overnighting at Penrith and Allenheads along the route. An average of 70km a day for three days (including arduous uphills over the Pennines) is not a bad feat for a 12 year old.
At age 11, Melody raised over £300 at very short notice by cycling 57km from Swindon to Radley. She viewed that as a practice run for her C2C attempt. She would love to beat the figure she raised for the charity.
Please sponsor Melody for her C2C ride. Donations big or small will all go towards the work of the Parkinson's UK charity. 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.
When Melody starts her challenge, we'll keep you updated of her progress!
Cheers!
Chrissy & Philip