Team P for Parkinsons

In June last year our Mother, Dorothy (Dot) Pickering died. She was the cornerstone of our family and widely known for her laughter and friendship to all. She had been caring for our Dad, Aidan, since he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease a number of years ago. She did this as part of her daily life, but it was exhausting. She relied on her faith, friends and family to support her and act as a relief from the 24/7 support to Dad. Unfortunately, in 2020 COVID lockdowns severely impacted this support, and as a consequence, Mum's physical and mental health began to suffer. In June 2021 she passed away after a short illness; we were devastated. We were determined to try and keep Dad at home in the cottage he had shared with Mum for 20 years, and with the help of fantastic carers from Exclusive Therapies, the local Egton Doctor's Surgery, District Nurses and Social Services we managed to achieve this. It made us realise the true extent of what Mum had to manage during her time caring for Dad as the Parkinson's disease slowly impacted more and more; sleepless nights with halucinations, lack of mobility, ablutions etc. Dad battled bravely throughout his Parkinsons but the grief of losing his life companion, friend and wife took the wind out of his sails and sadly he passed away in March 2022. When Mum died my brother Graham had the idea that we would, as a family, undertake the Coast to Coast cycle ride to raise funds for Parkinson's UK. On the face of it, this does not appear a massive challenge but Graham has never ridden a bike since his childhood, along with another one of my other brothers, Michael. They are busy farmers and its just not been part of their lives. So, on 27th June 4 brothers, a brother in law, a wife and a cousin and a friend of the family will set off from Whitehaven to cycle to Robin Hoods Bay supported by our sister and a friend.

Do you want to join us in making a difference? We are raising money to aid Parkinson's Disease Society of the United Kingdom and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us as a family.

More information about Parkinson's Disease Society of the United Kingdom: We're close to major breakthroughs. Funding the right research into the most promising treatments, we get closer to a cure every day.

Until then, we're here for everyone affected by Parkinson's. Fighting for fair treatment and better services. Making everyone see its real impact.

People with Parkinson's, scientists and supporters, fundraisers and families, carers and clinicians, all working side by side. Impatient for change, we're taking a stand, speaking out, chipping in and playing our part.