235 people took part in the Walk for Parkinson’s event at Lullingstone Country Park and Castle in Eynsford on 17 September, raising over £14,000 for Parkinson’s UK’s vital research to find better treatments and a cure for the condition.
Charlotte, her husband Steve, and nine year old son, Oscar, from Maidstone, took part in the six mile walk in memory of Charlotte’s dad.
Charlotte said: “Dad was active and when he was first diagnosed he started writing an autobiography. Parkinson’s eventually robbed him of everything, he lost his confidence, he shuffled his feet, had bladder problems, he experienced hallucinations and struggled with his speech. It’s important to find a cure. I took part in Walk for Parkinson’s to help find that cure, so that it helps other people.
“It was brilliant to be at the walk, Oscar loved it and we are so pleased with the amount we have raised. It will go a long way to helping research into new treatments and a cure.”
Also taking part on the day were the team from Paydens Pharmacies, who regularly fundraise for Parkinson’s UK. So far, Paydens have raised over £2,500 for their walk, with staff from across the company taking part.
Jo Pay from Paydens Pharmacy said:
“Walk for Parkinson’s is such a fantastic event and the team from Paydens loved taking part. My father Dennis Pay, who founded Paydens, lived with Parkinson’s and sadly passed away last year. I was very proud that over 70 members of staff and their loved ones walked on the day to honour his memory.
“We continue to raise awareness of the condition as well as funds to help improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s and one day, hopefully find a cure.”
Parkinson’s is what happens when the brain cells that make dopamine start to die. There are more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety. Some are treatable, but the drugs can have serious side effects. It gets worse over time and there’s no cure. Yet.
Alyson Smith, Community Fundraising Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said:
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Charlotte and Oscar, and everyone who took part in Walk for Parkinson’s at Lullingstone Country Park and Castle, as well as all the volunteers who made the event possible. It was a fabulous day.
“It was also amazing to have staff from Paydens Pharmacies take part, their support has been phenomenal over the years and we are hugely grateful”
To find out more about fundraising for Parkinson’s UK please visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraising