‘Every donation helps’: Leeds friends to take on Walk for Parkinson’s after cherished figure’s diagnosis

A team of friends and colleagues from Leeds will take part in the Walk for Parkinson’s today having seen first hand the devastating effects of the disease.

The event is taking place at Temple Newsam today (July 19) and the group are encouraging others to join them in supporting Parkinson’s UK’s Nurse Appeal, which is aiming to raise £9m over the next three years to fund Parkinson's nurses and other specialists.

Claire Walker, 41, and her colleagues were inspired to get involved and take the step to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK after their team manager’s father, Zam Khan, known as Victor, 69, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020. His condition has since progressed, and the team have witnessed first-hand the impact it has had on his independence and daily life.

Claire explained: “Taking part in Walk for Parkinson’s means a great deal to all of us. We’ve seen how quickly Parkinson’s has changed Victor’s life and how much strength it takes for him and his family to face each day.

“He was once the rock of the family and the ‘buzz of the neighbourhood’, always the one helping others. To see him now needing support with even basic daily tasks is heartbreaking, but what hasn’t changed is his spirit, humour and the love he has for his family.

“We want to do something positive in response to something so difficult. By taking part in this walk, we hope to raise awareness and vital funds. Every donation, no matter how small, really does make a difference.”

Walk for Parkinson’s at Temple Newsam will take place today (July 19), with two routes available: a 1.1-mile accessible route and a longer, 6.1-mile route, which Claire and her colleagues are taking on.

It costs just £12 to sign up to Walk for Parkinson’s (under 18s go free!) and the suggested sponsorship target per person is £100.

All walkers will receive a fundraising pack with tips and advice, sponsorship forms and an exclusive Walk for Parkinson’s t-shirt to wear during the walk. As well as walkers, the charity is on the look-out for volunteers to help on the day.

So far, the team have raised £458 as part of their £1,500 fundraising goal. To support them and make a donation, visit: events.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraisers/teamvictor

Ailsa Dragan, Community Fundraiser - Yorkshire at Parkinson’s UK, added: “It’s inspiring to have people like Claire and her colleagues sign up to support Walk for Parkinson’s to help raise money for Parkinson’s Nurse Appeal.

“The appeal aims to raise £9 million over three years to help increase the number of Parkinson’s specialists in the UK. This will give thousands of people with Parkinson’s access to the specialist care they need.

“We hope as many people as possible will come along to take part in the walk, which promises to be lots of fun. We’re also keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in volunteering to support the smooth running of the event.”

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]