Local pensioner raises £3500 for Parkinson’s UK with walking challenge
A community news update from your area
Mick Kirkbright from Marske-by-the-Sea, whose wife Kathy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s last year, marched 11,000 steps each day in March to raise money for Parkinson’s UK. Despite arthritic problems in his feet, Mick, 76, covered 246km throughout the month, setting off daily at 6am to march an 8.2 km circuit across the beach.
He has raised an incredible £3,500 to date, smashing his £3000 target. Mick said:
“Kathy’s Parkinson’s diagnosis had a devastating impact on our lives, probably mentally more than physically.
"Her anxiety levels increased, and she has had severe sleeplessness, constant tiredness, and sudden mood swings. Marching the month was a valuable opportunity for Kathy to see how much support there is amongst our family and friends.
"She has been overwhelmed by the size of the funds raised, it’s been a real boost and focus for her.” Sam Johnston, community fundraiser - North East & Cumbria, Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are really grateful to Mick for supporting Parkinson’s UK by completing this fantastic challenge.”
“With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. While we’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough. Fundraising for Parkinson’s UK helps us drive forward the groundbreaking research we need to transform the lives of people with Parkinson’s”.
To show your support for Mick’s fundraising, visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/michael-kirkbright-1707236839429.
To find out how to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK visit parkinsons.org.uk/fundraising
Location: Marske-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
