A sixty-five-year-old Whitland resident who will be joining in with the ‘Walking for Parkinson’s’ charity event, is urging others to get their fundraising feet in on the action.
Parkinson’s UK Cymru is calling on everyone in Wales to lace up and sign up to its spectacular walk in the heart of the Welsh capital this autumn as part of its national fundraising series.
Walk for Parkinson’s is taking place in Cardiff on Saturday, October 12 where people in the community can help to fund vital research into better treatments and find a cure for the condition.
Eve Stokoe, 65, who now lives in Whitland, Carmarthenshire will be walking alongside her good friend Jayne.
Eve is calling on others to take part as this is a chance to stretch those legs, meet people in the Parkinson’s community and contribute to groundbreaking research.
Eve said: “I’ve been ‘Walking for Parkinson’s’ for many years. I also completed the ‘100 miles in May’ challenge for the first time this year.
“The most important reason for taking part in the Cardiff event is to be there for my special friend Jayne. She’s such an amazing individual and together we will do our bit to raise money and help fund vital research. Hopefully the steps we take will be another step forward in helping to find a cure.”
Jayne Weston from Undy, Monmouthshire will be taking part in the Cardiff walk for the 4th year and has been inspired to get involved and take steps to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK because it’s a cause close to her heart.
She said: “I received a diagnosis in 2017 at the age of 66, and I also saw my uncle and father living with the condition. While it’s not always easy, I refuse to let Parkinson’s win and the condition has definitely brought out my stubbornness, drive and competitiveness. I enjoy keeping active and sharing experiences with others living with the condition through the local support group.
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 153,000 people in the UK, including around 8,300 in Wales, and every hour two more people are diagnosed. There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.
Whether you’re a seasoned walker or looking to take on your first fundraising challenge, Walk for Parkinson’s is suitable for everyone.
The event will start and finish at Bute Park, with two different routes available for people to choose from. The shorter 2.6 mile route is fully accessible and suitable for everyone while the longer 6 mile route is available for participants who are looking for a bigger challenge, however this one is not appropriate for participants using a wheelchair or pushchair.
Walk for Parkinson’s promises not only steps, but smiles too as walkers will warm up, walk and finish with other members of the Parkinson’s community.
It costs just £12 to sign up (under 18s go free) and it's suggested participants try and raise £50 in sponsorship. All walkers will receive a fundraising pack with tips and advice, sponsorship forms and an exclusive Walk for Parkinson’s t-shirt to wear on the day.
Keri McKie, Community Fundraiser for Wales at Parkinson’s UK Cymru, said: “Every hour, two more people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s and with 8,300 people living with the condition in Wales, it’s important we continue to take vital steps in groundbreaking research and stride towards a cure.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to Bute Park for this special day. Next year we’ll be taking the walk to another location in Wales so if you’re keen to get involved in the heart of the capital, now is the time to get involved. So whether or not you’re living with Parkinson’s and whatever your age or fitness level, we’d love to see you in Cardiff. It’s time to step up and sign up today.”
To sign-up, please visit: events.parkinsons.org.uk/event/walk-parkinsons-cardiff
As well as walkers, the charity is on the look-out for volunteers to help on the day.
To find out more about volunteering visit: parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/walk-parkinsons or email: [email protected]