Paul Milburn

Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK

I’m walking to help fund specialist Parkinson’s care to thousands more people who urgently need it.

Thousands of us are uniting to help people with Parkinson’s, and those who love and care for them, get access to the support they need. I am a sufferer of Parkinsons Disease (PD) having had the diagnosis approaching 2 years ago now. At the moment the progression of PD symptoms is slow and impacts my everyday life in a small way which can only be attributed to a change of lifestyle, such that I take regular exercise (brisk Walking targeting a minimum 12 miles per week), healthy diet but protein biased and Dopamine Replacement Treatment.

I recognise the fact that many sufferers are in a significantly worse or at a more advanced status than myself, many of who campaign and raise funds akin to these events that go to help fund research for both cures and treatments for PD sufferers, also much needed practical support for those who can't manage their daily activities by themselves. These people are to be highly commended for their resolve and determination given the difficulties and challenges that they face in their daily lives.

I feel fortunate to be able to accept these challenges and help in some practical way those worse off than myself as my only visible abnormalities are a left arm tremor and a typical Parkinsonian unbalanced gait (walking style). The gait issue means that my left footwear wears out 5 times quicker than the right but so what! The other issues which are unseen are quite a few but manageable. I suffer from fatigue which is probably easily remedied with a power nap mid afternoon but can be a bit awkward when socialising or even missing the destination metro station occasionally. I also suffer from "night terrors" which doesn't seem to bother me much but can be an ordeal for those that share your sleeping accommodation. "Her indoors" has experienced a few near miss left hooks and uppercuts during the night but has not suffered any injuries thus far.

Well that's it in a nutshell. I can only ask for your support in my bid to raise £50 for this fund raiser. If you can manage to donate a few quid that would be fantastic and or if you live local come along and lend your support on Sunday 6th September at 11.00.am. The North East venue this year is Herrington Country Park, Chester Rd, Penshaw, DH4 7EL. You may even want to participate yourself and complete either a 2.4 or 4.8 mile course, just contact Walk for Parkinsons and pay your £10 entry.

Thanks for listening.  PJM