'Dad was my best friend': Leeds rabbi raises over £16,000 for Parkinson's UK through 40 days of push-ups

To mark his 40th birthday, Senior Rabbi Albert Chait MBE, known as Alby, has challenged himself to do 40 push-ups every day for 40 days.

The fundraiser was inspired by Alby’s father Rev. Henry Mark Chait who lived with Parkinson’s for over 30 years and died in 2021 aged 72.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder which damages dopamine-producing neurons and affects approximately 166,000 people in the UK.

Symptoms include tremor, stiffness, and slow movement, and there is currently no cure for the condition.

For Alby, the 40-day push-up challenge is a way to honour his father who “dedicated his life to his community”.

Alby said: "Dad was my best friend. He was an incredible person, a fantastic singer with a beautiful voice and a man who supported the vulnerable, the needy and those less fortunate.

“Sadly, as time went on, his Parkinson's symptoms meant he could no longer sing, which had been such a big part of his life, and he gradually lost his speech and the ability to eat independently.”

Alby, who himself has served as a rabbi in his community for over 20 years, has raised a total of £16,792 so far for Parkinson’s UK.

Ailsa Dragan, community fundraiser for Yorkshire at Parkinson's UK, said: “We are so grateful to Alby, especially as he marks such a personal milestone, for taking on this inspiring challenge and choosing to support Parkinson’s UK.

“His dedication, and the incredible support he’s received from his community, really shows the difference people can make when they come together for a cause.

“On behalf of everyone at Parkinson’s UK, thank you to Alby and everyone who has shown him so much support in making such a meaningful difference.”

The 40-day push-up challenge is poignant for Alby as 40 is close to the age that his father was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Ultimately, he hopes that his fundraiser will honour his father and support others living with Parkinson’s.

Alby said: “My eight-year-old daughter asked me last week, ‘Why are you doing this for your Dad?’ I told her that if the funds we raise can help someone living with Parkinson’s and give them a life different to my dad’s, I’d be so happy.

“Every push-up is a reminder of his strength and the love he gave to our family and community."