Why I'm supporting Parkinson's UK
My mum, Elspeth, was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2012.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure. There are more than 40 symptoms of the condition. As well as the most widely known symptom - tremor - these range from physical symptoms like muscle stiffness to depression, anxiety, hallucinations, memory problems and dementia - but Parkinson’s affects everyone differently. Over 150,000 people in the UK are living with Parkinson's.
Mum has approached the challenges of living with Parkinson's with remarkable positivity. She has embraced the supportive power of exercise - from pilates to Dance for Parkinson's classes with the English National Ballet. Along the way she's volunteered, been a supportive voice for others and continued to be an amazing mum, grandma and wife.
My dad and sister have supported her every step of the way.
We raised nearly £2500 for Parkinson's UK with a triathlon - the next challenge is to cycle from London to Brighton - including up Ditchling Beacon.
Mum was really uplifted with everyone's generosity last time, so this time I've chosen a challenge that she can come and cheer me on with after a short walk from St. Georges. Thank you for anything you can give.
My updates
Ready to go
Saturday 20th Jun The car is packed, the tyres are pumped and we’re ready to go. Thank you for all of your support. ShareThank you to my sponsors
£54.75
Matthew Roberts
£60
Old Gattons Teachers
From some older teachers who worked with your wonderful mum.
£20
Becca Francis
£33.15
Wendy Knight
You will be recovering now! Well done. It was great to catch up with your mum & dad earlier this month. x
£28
Lily, Simon And Sarah
Was incredible to see you achieve this and enjoy a few beers at the end. The Elstons
£5
Henry Mckenzie
“I believe in you Uncle Ali”. Love Henry
£28
Sybil Warmisham
Well done, Alastair! Good luck on Sunday. Your Mum already is very proud of you! 👏
£47.87
Jeremy Coote
£10
Gurp Sidhu
Excellent cause. Good Luck Ali.
£54.75
Paul K
Cheering you on every mile of the way for this wonderful cause.
£43.60
Ward Family
Good luck Ali. Great effort on the fund raising. No walking allowed up the beacon!
£33.15
Jack Mayhew
Supporting you and vital support
£20
Toby Clouston
Nice work mate!
£22.80
Anonymous
Well done Ali, we’ll be standing by to cheer you on.
£22.80
John H
Good work, matey!
£30
Richard Dalziel
You’ve got this McKay. Good luck and cracking effort on the fundraising 👏👏👏
£33.15
Paul & Caroline
Good on you Alastair. We look forward to seeing a YouTube clip of you climbing up Ditchling Beacon.
£107
Jane Voller
Good luck
£50
Peter Anson
£25
Dilys & Ian
Good luck, you will smash it Ali
£33.15
Jennifer & Colin Duff
Be strong like your wonderful Mum.. Hope for a cool dry day
£33.15
Sheila Couch
Good luck with the hills!
£21.84
Anna Wallis
£107
Fay And Paul
Good luck!
£11.33
Barbara Bartholomew
Good luck
£53.32
Joan England And David England
Good luck Alistair, especially with the hills!!
£20
Laura Mckenzie
Well done Ali. Hope you’ve practiced Ditchling Beacon? L + H xx
£32.23
Mike & Claire Hicks
Wishing you a cool day!
£52.12
David And Elspeth Metcalfe
GREAT ALASTAIR-HOPE ALL GOES SMOOTHLY WITHOUT TOO MANY POTHOLES IN YOUR WAY!!!
£53.32
Donald & Lindi Galloway
£106
Peter King
With best of luck up the hill!
£53.32
Ken Humm
Good luck Ali - May the force be with you !
£53.32
Peter Mckenzie
Ali, amazing! Mum & I will have some cold drinks & energy bars ready when you stop for a break at St George’s!
£500
Star Racing
£50
Doug And Becs
Good luck! X
£100
Em
Go Ali! It’s all freewheeling after Ditchling… So proud of you xx
£53.32
Peter English
Best of luck Makay and love to your mum x
£21.84
Mollie Robberts
Go Alastair go! Hope you enjoy Ditchling! I’ll look forward to you climbing stairs in duty the next day…
£32.23
Dave Ferguson
What a great cause!
£100
The Frosts
Good luck McKay. A very worthy cause.
£26.45
Anonymous
Good luck, Ali! It’s a great challenge and for a wonderful cause X
Well done Ali !!