People in the Midlands are invited to step up and Walk for Parkinson’s this July

Walk for Parkinson’s is taking place at Sutton Park near Birmingham on Saturday 13 July 2024 and is a part of the charity's national fundraising series where people in the community can help to fund vital research into better treatments and a cure for the condition.

Whether you’re a seasoned walker or looking to take on your first fundraising challenge, Walk for Parkinson’s is suitable for everyone. Participants can explore the stunning woodlands and lakes of Sutton Park,one of the largest urban parks in Europe, with either a shorter two-mile route, which is fully accessible or a longer six-mile route.

Walk for Parkinson’s promises not only steps, but smiles as walkers will warm up together, walk together, and finish together with other members of the Parkinson’s community. Those in attendance can grab a drink and other refreshments from the Event Village and explore several other stalls offering cakes, dog treats, merchandise and more.

This year, Adrian Sutcliffe from Wolverhampton is taking part. He was inspired to get involved and take the step to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s earlier this year.

Adrian, who is walking with his wife Tracy, is calling on others to join him as Walk for Parkinson’s not only offers the chance for participants to get active but also meet people in the Parkinson’s community and contribute to groundbreaking research. Adrian said:

“I’m looking forward to meeting people, raising funds and learning from other people's experiences. Parkinson’s is very new for me and I'm still learning about the condition. I feel it's important to help raise funds and awareness to help achieve the ultimate goal of finding a cure.”

Aaron Coleman, Community Fundraiser for Central Midlands at Parkinson’s UK, said:

“Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. In the West Midlands alone there are an estimated 4,290 people living with the condition. Every hour, two more people in the UK are diagnosed, meaning 1 in 37 people alive today will be diagnosed with Parkinson's in their lifetime.

“There’s no cure for Parkinson’s. Yet. But if we walk together, we can make a difference to the lives of people with Parkinson’s. We can make breakthroughs and together we can stride towards a cure for the condition.

“Whatever your age or fitness level, we’d love to see you at Sutton Park to Walk for Parkinson’s. It’s time to walk the walk and sign up today!”

Walk for Parkinson’s is sponsored this year by Charco Neurotech. Representatives from the therapeutics company will be present at each walk so all attendees can find out more about its products.

It costs just £12 to sign up to Walk for Parkinson’s (under 18s go free!) and it's suggested you try and raise £50 in sponsorship. All walkers will receive a fundraising pack with tips and advice, sponsorship forms and an exclusive Walk for Parkinson’s t-shirt to wear on the day.

As well as walkers, the charity is on the look-out for volunteers to help on the day. To find out more about Walk for Parkinson’s and to sign up to walk or volunteer visit: parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/walk-parkinsons or email: [email protected]