Harrogate cyclists and walkers pick up the pace against Parkinson's

July 9, 2017

Hundreds of people have done their bit to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson's by supporting two special charity events starting from Ripley Castle.

More than 110 cyclists took part in Pedal for Parkinson's, with a choice of a 20, 40 or 60-mile route through the North Yorkshire countryside.

Alongside the cyclists, 125 people also took part in a 1.5, 3 or 11-mile Walk for Parkinson's.

The events were organised by Parkinson's UK, which hopes to raise more than £21,000 from the day.

Mark Styles, who took part in the Pedal for Parkinson's, has raised £3,500.

He said: "One of my family has recently been diagnosed with the condition, so I decided to take on Pedal for Parkinson's to help raise awareness and much-needed funding to help find better treatments and a cure for the condition.

"It was a fantastic day - full of laughter, dedication and commitment, as well as aching legs! I feel immensely proud to have been a part of it and met some wonderful people with the same goal."

Stray FM's Lisa Francis, Patrick Dunlop, Christopher Dean and Chris Hart who took part in Pedal for Parkinson's

Pedal for Parkinson's is designed for cyclists of all ages and cycling ability, and Harrogate was specially selected as one of just three locations in the UK where the rides take place.

Last year, the Walk for Parkinson's event was introduced at the same time, to help whole families support the charity.

Paul Jackson-Clark, Director of Fundraising at Parkinson's UK, said: "This is the fourth year we've held a Pedal for Parkinson's from Ripley Castle, and our second Walk for Parkinson's in the area.

"It's wonderful to see how the events have grown, with people taking part in both the cycle and the walk to raise money for people with Parkinson's across the UK. It's also fantastic to watch the community get behind the participants on the day, creating a brilliant and vibrant atmosphere that really spurs on the fundraisers.

"We would like to thank everyone who took part - with every step and every pedal, they will have helped us to continue our search for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure."

To find out more about the charity's other organised cycling and walking events, visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraise or call the Parkinson's UK Events Team on 020 7963 9319.

https://www.strayfm.com/news/local-news/2325033/harrogate-cyclists-and-walkers-pick-up-the-pace-against-parkinsons/