Man with Parkinson’s to cycle 569 miles from Hadrian’s Wall to Hastings for charity

Gary, 58, who last year was awarded a CBE for his services to business and charity in the King’s first Birthday Honours List is warming up with a Hexham Parkrun on Saturday, May 25, before boarding his bike to cycle from Hexham to Thirsk, the first 95 miles of the 569-mile distance.

Gary, who also chairs the board of the Z Zurich Foundation, said: “So many people don’t know what Parkinson’s is, and the challenges I take on are all about raising awareness of the condition, and also feeling more in control of my Parkinson’s.”

The seasoned fundraiser is part of a group of ten cyclists taking on the challenge, and he plans to meet with Parkinson's UK support groups along the route for some much-needed motivation.

To date, Gary has raised over half-a-million pounds for Parkinson’s UK and other charities through various fundraising challenges.

Last year he cycled from Liverpool to the Polish-Ukrainian border, won back the ‘farthest distance run three legged in 12 hours’ Guinness World Record, cycled from Brighton to Barcelona, and ran four marathons. So far this year he has kayaked the three largest lakes of England, Scotland, and Wales and ran the London Marathon.

Gary continued: “I hope that my challenges and determination to keep active will encourage others living with Parkinson’s to get active, and will also encourage people to donate towards research that could lead to a cure.”

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 153,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed. There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.

Being active for 2.5 hours a week can help manage Parkinson’s symptoms, and has a positive impact both physically and mentally.

Ruth Wright, Community Fundraiser, South West, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Gary for all his fundraising efforts. Hadrian’s Wall to Hastings is one of the many challenges that Gary is taking on this year. This challenge is poignant, given the local Parkinson’s UK group members coming out to cheer Gary on.”

“We hope this fundraising challenge inspires you to get involved with Parkinson’s UK. There are lots of ways for you to get involved and support us - from volunteering at an event to campaigning for better services. Without the generosity of people like you, our work would not be possible.”

Gary’s year of challenges will be match-funded by Z Zurich Foundation. To find out more or donate, visit: https://www.garyschallenges.com/donate

To find out more about fundraising for Parkinson’s UK, visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/do-your-own-fundraising