Pedal for Parkinson's was founded in 2007
In 2008, three riders, all with PD rode from Lands
End to John O' Groats, approx 1000 miles. They
were testing out the idea that substantial funds
could be raised, by attracting day riders, who would
ride approx 50 miles and raise a minimum of £200.
The plan was to encourage every Branch of PDS in
Britain to find at least one rider. £10000 was raised.
In 2009, the journey was repeated, this time up the
East side of the Penines, visiting twelve Cathedrals
en route, visiting the York cycle show, where they were
the official charity, where they were
the chief guests at the Cycle service at York Minster and
where they were supported by the PDS Mobile Information
Unit. In Ripon, they were honoured with a RAF flypast.
On this ride, there were six riders, three with PD.
To date this ride has raised £35,427...
In 2010 Initiated by the Barnsley Branch, the Yorkshire &
Humberside Region combined with the North West Region
to pedal The Trans Penine Trail. This could well become
an annual event.
Throughout its brief history, Pedal for Parkinson's has
sought the advice of Parkinson'sUK and has been guided
by its experience. In the winter of 2009/10 informal
discussions were help which laid in place the start of a
plan for the future. In 2010/11 plans were formulated
to introduce a brand new suite of long distance cycling
events around the UK, in which anyone could participate.
This was an exciting new addition to Parkinson'sUK events.
Pedal for Parkinson's would spearhead the launch with an
ambitious ride through Britain and Ireland to be known
as The Challenge. A team of six riders, four with Parkinson's
would cycle end to end in Briiain, then end to end in Ireland
returning to the mainland for a gran finish in London. En
route, they would start off the three new events.
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Pedal for Parkinson's was the brainchildhild of David Greaves. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2004 at the age of 58. His belief is:
"A
cure for Parkinson's is reaching its end-game phase and I am determined
to help make this degenerative curse a thing of the past. Never
again will anyone have to suffer the debilitating loss of muscular
control and the inevitable downhill spiral to an undignified end. Present sufferers will be able to say, “I used to have Parkinson’s ”
The
aim of Pedal for Parkinson's is to raise money for a research into a
cure for Parkinson's through a variety of fundraising events centered
around sport and in particular cycling.
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