A JEWELLERY designer business owner from Worcester is getting set to saddle up to cycle 1,000 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End having already raised more than £50,000 for charity Parkinson’s UK.
Henry Deakin, managing director of Birmingham-based jewellery designer, Deakin and Francis, will be joined by eight friends as they plan to complete the challenge in 10 days. They are hoping to raise £100,000.
He was inspired to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK as his father, David Deakin, has been living with the condition for many years. David’s main symptom of the condition was a tremor, which eventually caused him to retire from being a jeweller.
He said: “When my father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, we were shocked and saddened. Seeing him struggle with the physical and mental symptoms of the condition was heart-breaking, but it also inspired me to take action.
“Through this fund-raising challenge, I want to support the research into better treatments and help find a cure for Parkinson’s.
“And by sharing my Father’s story, and the impact that Parkinson’s has had on our family, I hope to inspire others to get involved and make a difference. Together, we can create a world where no one has to suffer from the devastating effects of this condition.”
The group will begin their epic challenge on Saturday, May 6, setting off from John O’Groats. They will head up into the highlands, through the Lake District countryside, and over the epic cliffs of Devon, before finishing at Land’s End.
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed.
There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.
“Everyone taking on the challenge has a loved one who has been affected by Parkinson’s. We’re delighted to have raised £50,000 already, but our goal is to raise £100,000 for Parkinson’s UK,” he added.
Ghalib Ullah, Head of Commercial Partnerships at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Henry and the team taking on this epic challenge are truly inspirational and we wish them best of luck. I’m also looking forward to joining them for part of it.
“With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough.
“We’re so grateful to Henry and the team for their incredible fundraising and helping us get closer to better treatments and ultimately a cure.”
To support the group on their challenge visit www.justgiving.com/henry-deakin
