Heather prepares for marathon ride to raise funds for Parkinson's research

July 19, 2016

Heather Woollard, who is raising funds for Parkinson's UK

MUM-OF-THREE Heather Woollard is to complete a 200-mile round trip bike ride for her husband who has Parkinson's disease.

The 64-year-old will embark on the ride from Wallingford to Haywards Heath, West Sussex, on Saturday, July 23.

She will be joined by her daughter-in-law, Berni Woollard, to raise funds for Parkinson's UK.

Mrs Woollard's husband Graham, 67, a retired electrical contractor, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in July 2015.

Grandmother-of-five Heather, who has lived in Wallingford all her life, said: "Last year I cycled 290 miles from London to Paris over four days and this time it will be about 210 miles in two days, so it will be quite challenging.

"I have been taking part in organised cycling events for the past three years but wanted this one to be a little different and yet still challenging.

"Graham is really proud of me and he will travel on ahead of us in a van as our support in case we have any problems the bikes."

Mrs Woollard said her husband was coping as well as he could with the disease.

She added: "If I can raise money to find a cure then that's what I want to do - because we have chosen a lot of rural routes it bumps up the mileage.

"It's a cause that is very close to my heart and I have done lots of training. I cycle around Wallingford and do spinning classes - I really enjoy it.

"I will also be holding a coffee and cake morning at my home on August 6 to help boost the fundraising target."

Mrs Woollard, who used to work for the family's electrical contracting firm, said she and Berni have so far raised almost £1,000 for Parkinson's UK.

Paul Jackson-Clark, director of fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said: "I’d like to wish Heather and Berni the very best of luck with their challenge.

"I hope Heather’s story will inspire others to challenge themselves and take part in an event for Parkinson’s UK.

"As the UK’s Parkinson’s support and research charity we’re leading the work to find a cure, and we’re closer than ever. But our work is dependent on donations."

Funds raised by Mrs Woollard and her daughter-in-law will allow Parkinson’s UK to continue its vital research work to find a cure, and improve the lives of the 127,000 people living in the UK who are affected by Parkinson's, a degenerative neurological condition, for which there currently is no cure.

To sponsor the Woollards visit their online giving page at justgiving.com/Heather-Berni

For advice, information and support visit parkinsons.org.uk or call 0808 800 0303.

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