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| David Brodie |
A MAN diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease is saddling up for a 100-mile cycle to raise vital funds for research into the neurodegenerative brain disorder.
David Brodie, 62, of Chatsworth Road, Barnet, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years’ ago.
Mr Brodie, his son Ben Brodie, 23, his brother Philip Brodie, 58 and his close friend Peter Thornton, 60, will take part in the London to Surrey cycling event on Saturday July 31 and between them hope to raise £50,000.
David is a retired accountant and charity director, he founded Taxaid.
He currently volunteers as a teacher of English to refugees.
He said: “This challenge combines two of my passions - cycling and the urgent need to find better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s, which affects millions of people around the world.
“I have always loved cycling, and as I get older I am determined to remain able to cycle over 100 miles in a day. I feel lucky that the medication I take, to control my symptoms, is still working well so that I can participate in this iconic ride.
“When I was diagnosed, I was told that there would be a cure for Parkinson’s within 10-15 years but I’ve since met many people in the Parkinson’s community who were also told this and sadly for them, that 15 year deadline has come and gone.
“That’s why I want to raise as much as I can through this challenge, so we can quickly get closer to a cure for everyone affected by the condition.”
Most people’s symptoms take years to develop, and they live for years with the disease.
He added: “The medication controls physical symptoms well, although I do things more slowly than before. The main problems are getting enough sleep and feeling very tired a lot of the time.”
To prepare for the challenge, David has been training three times a week, covering between 25 and 70 miles each time.
So far, he has raised almost £20,000 for research into the incurable disease.
Everyone who donates will be entered into a free prize draw to win a print of ‘Helping Hand’, a piece of artwork donated by prize-winning London artist Eliza Southwood, whose grandfather lived with Parkinson’s.
Paul Jackson-Clark, director of fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said: “I would like to thank David and his team for taking on the 100-mile cycle to raise funds for us.
“As the UK’s Parkinson’s research and support charity we’re leading the way to find better treatments and ultimately a cure, but our work wouldn’t be possible without donations and fundraisers like David.”
To donate go to: https://www.justgiving.com/D-Brodie-team
http://www.barnet-today.co.uk/article.cfm?id=111353&headline=Parkinson's%20sufferer%20gearing%20up%20for%20a%20100%20mile%20bike%20ride%20for%20charity§ionIs=news&searchyear=2016
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