On the 2^nd November 2022, Jack and I will be heading out to Iceland for a 5-day trek to raise money for Parkinson’s UK. This will be a huge challenge for both us, but we are looking forward to the challenge and all the fundraising we have planned in the next year. 

Here is why we have chosen Parkinson’s UK to be our chosen charity.

My mum was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s in November 2017 at the young age of 49. Before my mum was diagnosed, I had no knowledge of the disease, it was something me and my family had to learn and research into whilst helping my mum. It came to such a shock for Me and my siblings, we had to take on this new challenge with no warning or knowledge. 

Since my mums’ diagnoses, I have been part of many charity events, I’ve sat and researched for hours on end, I’ve met up and spoken to many others suffering from Parkinson’s and have been involved in appointments for my mum. When I did my first ever Parkinson’s charity event, I never thought id be sat here from a carers position still trying to spread awareness. No one seems to know the awful symptoms and side effects of all the many medications. I feel like I have a better understanding and I’m ready to raise more awareness and share our story. 

Since my first charity walk a lot has changed, my mum wasn’t in the position where she was able to work, this was such a hard hit as mum enjoyed working and helping other. She took early retirement and now has the time to concentrate on herself, but this can get lonely and tough. Mums symptoms got worse every day and we could really see the struggle. We were fortunate that a year ago she was accepted onto a Parkinson’s trial, this means a tonne load more appointments, we spend half the week in hospital and travelling back and forth. Me and my stepdad had to be put in position to be carers which was so hard for mum. 

The doctors, nurses, neurologist and the Parkinson’s teams have made every step the last few years easier. They aren’t just there for my mum, but they are there to support us. I’m in regular contact with the parkisons UK team and I see where the donation goes, I can see the positive effect of each donation and how they help not just my mum but everyone struggling. 

Where does your money go? Well £45 could fund a clinical researcher for 3 hours, so we can test ground-breaking new treatments for Parkinson's. which could lead to a cure.  £140 could pay for 5 helpline advisers for an hour, to provide vital support to people with Parkinson's, their families, friends and carers. You might not think they are important, but they are the first people we ring if we need help, they are there to help with anything, emotionally or physically. Any donation goes towards helping the people that need it most. 

Please share, donate and spread awareness, there is so much more I can do but I need your help.