Walk for Parkinson's charity walk seeks participants and volunteers for Inverness event
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CHARITY walkers are set to pound the streets of Inverness to help raise funds for groundbreaking Parkinson's research – and you could be among them.
Walk for Parkinson's will see fundraisers take to the beautiful surroundings of the Caledonian Canal path for one of two possible route lengths – a family-friendly two-mile route that is fully accessible, or a slightly longer six-mile route for those wanting to do more of a challenge.
The walk will begin and finish in Torvean Park on June 25.
Organised by Parkinson’s UK, the event aims to raise important funds for the charity while also encouraging people to get active and meet others.
Shirley Catto (54), a neurology nurse specialist, is one of many who have already signed up to take part and is now encouraging more people from across the region to make their way to Inverness.
“There's always an amazing atmosphere at these events. Everyone is so grateful for you being there and you feel like you have really done your bit at the end of the day,” said Shirley.
Last year, Shirley, who works closely with people with Parkinson’s, was awarded the historic title of Queen's Nurse. She is taking part in Walk for Parkinson’s alongside a friend, Lesley Gibson, whose father-in-law, George James Gibson, lived with Parkinson’s for some time, before he passed away in 2022.
“It’s often something you don’t know a lot about until someone close to you is diagnosed. Raising awareness is crucial, so people are mindful in their own communities and maybe try to find out more and see what they can do to help people with Parkinson’s.
“Raising funds is also really important, supporting research to find a cure and, in the meantime, better treatments, to stop Parkinson’s in its tracks so it doesn’t progress.”
It costs £12 to sign up to Walk for Parkinson’s, there is no charge for under 18s, and there is no minimum sponsorship required to take part. 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.
Ian Cox (65), who lives in Avoch, has lived with Parkinson’s since 2017. He works part time with Highland Council, is a member of the Inverness Support Group and attends Parkinson’s exercise classes at the Aquadome.
He and others from the group and class are taking part, both for the challenge and to support research into better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s.
“It’s always a really happy atmosphere and a real can-do spirit at these events. There’s a camaraderie there and a lot of support and encouragement,” said Ian.
"I would encourage anyone out there who is interested in taking part, if they think they could manage the distances, to please come along. It’s important to raise money and, while a cure might not happen in our time, every penny raised helps Parkinson’s UK do its part to support people living with the condition.”
Walk for Parkinson's is the charity’s national community fundraising series, with events planned throughout the summer across the UK. Inverness is a new location added for 2023.
Walkers will set out and return to a dedicated event village at Torvean Park. Entertainment and refreshments will be laid on at the event village, which will also host stalls offering information on services and activities available to people with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s UK is keen to hear from people who are interested in volunteering to help on the day at Inverness.
Marion Pirrie, Regional Fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK, said: “Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world and affects an estimated 12,500 people in Scotland.
“Walk for Parkinson’s is a fantastic way for people to get together and raise money to support people with the condition, and their carers, to live better and fund research into the most promising treatments.
“We hope as many people as possible will come along to take part in the walk, which promises to be lots of fun, and also to consider helping out as a volunteer to support the smooth running of the event.”
More information on the walk and details of how to sign up to take part and volunteer can be found on the Parkinson’s UK website.
