April 8, 2017
Parkinson's sufferer Robin Buttery will take part in a world record attempt to row across the Pacific to raise awareness. CREDIT: ADRIAN SCARBROUGH
When Robin Buttery gets tired, or cold, or wet the
shaking produced by the Parkinson's disease he suffers gets worse. So one
has to wonder why he is about to undertake a 10-week test of endurance that
will make him tired, cold and wet, most of the time.
The answer lies in the work of scientists at Oxford
Brookes University who will closely monitor the response of Mr Buttery’s body
as he rows 3,600 nautical miles across the Indian Ocean.
Their observations could lead to a significant
breakthrough in the way Parkinson’s is assessed and treated.
It is that thought that will keep Mr Buttery motivated
as he sets off from the coast of Western Australia in June with three other
rowers, in an attempt to beat the current world speed for the crossing to
Mauritius, which stands at 71 days. “I don’t tend to wobble about that much
normally,” said the 45-year-old father of one, who was diagnosed with
Parkinson’s two years ago.
“But humidity, strenuous exercise and fear can all
bring it on - in fact exactly the sort of situation I will find myself in. “It
will allow researchers to examine how my body reacts when things get ugly.”
Robin
Buttery will be joined on his journey by skipper Billy Taylor and fellow rowers
Barry Hayes and James Plumley. CREDIT: ADRIAN SCARBROUGH
Mr Buttery will be joined on his journey, which marks
200-years since the publication of James Parkinson’s essay on the disease, by
skipper Billy Taylor and fellow rowers Barry Hayes and James Plumley.
Mr Taylor, 44, said: “Rowing the Indian Ocean is
no easy feat at the best of times - the physical and mental challenge will be
enormous for all of us.For Robin, the row will be that much harder. He’s
already a winner in my books.”Scientists will use an on-board camera to monitor
in minute detail Mr Buttery’s reaction to conditions around him and the effort
he will make during the ocean crossing.
They will compare this to the results of a detailed
medical examination of the crew set off and after they arrive, in order to
understand whether Parkinson’s is metabolic as well as a neurological disorder,
Professor Helen Dawes, who leads the Movement Science Group at the Oxford
Brookes, said: “Anyone involved in sport will know that motor skills and
fitness improve with practice and that your movement is affected when you are
tired.
“We will monitor motor skill changes, alongside
physiological and emotional responses. It’s an important piece of
research that will help us better understand how the metabolic, cardiovascular
and neuro-muscular systems cope and adapt to prolonged endurance activity.”
Less than 20 crews have successfully completed the
crossing and there have been many more failed attempts.
The men - who are also aiming to raise £100,000 for young onset Parkinson’s
research - will have no support team and will take it it in
turns to row two hours on, two hours off, day and night.
On board will be a three-month supply of freeze-dried
food packages and a desalinator to turn seawater into drinking water. The boat
will also be fitted with a tracker so the crew’s progress can be followed
online.
It will also be live-streamed to schools around the
UK, allowing children to chat to them on subjects such as geography,
oceanography and marine conservation.
Mr Buttery, a technical assistant at De Montfort
University, helping students realise product, furniture and architectural
designs, said: “I want to inspire others and let them know that no matter what
life throws at them, nothing should hold them back.”
He knows that he may not himself benefit from any
medical breakthrough that comes out of his efforts, but that will not stop him.
“I think I have a duty to try and improve things
through research to help us all,” he said. “Even if it doesn’t come in time to
help me.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/04/08/parkinsons-sufferer-plans-record-breaking-ocean-row-reveal-clues/
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