Why we are fundraising for Parkinson's UK
Thank you for visiting our fundraising page! We're taking part in Pedal Trossachs for Parkinson’s UK and would appreciate your support!
Janet:
In June 2016 I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I embarked heavily on an exercise regime as, although medication helps with daily living, research shows that the only thing that slows progression is…EXERCISE. For me, cycling, is my happy place - giving me freedom and independence.
It has it challenges: medication wearing off, attacks of dystonia in my feet and hands, right side weakness and due to breaking my ankle (now adorned with a plate and eleven screws) the ankle collapses and my foot constantly tries to slip out my shoe.
My friends are used to me cycling but what they can’t see is how hard it is; mentally and physically. Having done this route before, in 2019, I’m still traumatised! I mean, those hills from the 75 mile mark and not forgetting the puncture going up the Crow Road, in the pouring rain! I’m sure I was last over the line and vowed…never again, but here I am!
So why am I doing it again? My PD and cycling touring buddy, Gillian, is having a hard time just now and the medication isn’t working well for her. She’s started falling and her most recent fall resulted in a horrible head injury and fractured skull. I’m heartbroken but she’s a fighter and determined to bounce back - she is my motivation and I am dedicating this ride to her.
I am grateful that I can still get on a bike and I am so grateful to be doing this challenge with my amazing friend, Alison.
Alison:
Alison - I’m cycling Pedal Trossachs with my cycling buddy and mentor, Janet. I never think about Janet having PD when I cycle with her but I know that’s because she does a lot of work behind the scenes, e.g., fine tuning her medication and using her ‘rescue’ medication when she begins to switch off and is struggling.
Janet helped me train and cycle a very flat 96 miles last year, so we decided to take on this 100 mile extremely hilly challenge to raise money to support the work of Parkinson’s UK in Scotland.
This is going to be my most physically and mentally demanding challenging to date, however, the possibility of finding a cure is powerful motivation to train and hopefully complete the route.
Please help by sponsoring our cycling challenge. All the money raised will go towards ground-breaking research and life-changing support for the Parkinson's community.
Thank you to our sponsors
£11
Julie Nicol
£17
Allison Mackenzie
Good luck Ali
£10
Claire
Good luck
£17
Sharon
Go girls
£54
Iain Campbell
Great cause and I know you’ll both smash it
£50
Chris, Fee, Ellie & Millie Xx
Best of luck to you both, although I’m sure you’ll absolutely smash it. Such a great cause as well.
£17
Lorna Stanley
Good luck Alison xx
£12
Diane Mitchell
From everyone with Parkinson's thank you. Janet Kerr you are an inspiration
£15
Caroline
You have got this ladies 💪💪💪
£30
Brian Carson
Good luck
£17
Lesley
Good luck Ally x
£30
Jacqueline Davidson
Good luck ladies x
£20
Gary Kerr
Thank you for taking up this gruelling challenge, to support people with Parkinson’s. Well done darling xx
Great effort ladies for a good cause. Wishing you all the best.