‘Amazinging and unifying’: Hundreds of walkers raise £50K for Parkinson’s UK

Hundreds of walkers wrapped up warm and set out to a South London park to raise money for people suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

More than 290 walkers took part in the Walk for Parkinson’s event at Battersea Park, next to Battersea Power Station, Battersea, in September.

Following a quick warm up, fundraisers got started on the 1.6 mile route through the park – a second option for a longer six mile route was canceled due to poor weather conditions.

Journalist and broadcaster, Dave Clark, 56, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011 got involved in the day out with his dog Ruby. 

Mr Clark said: “Walk for Parkinson’s in Battersea Park was an amazing and unifying experience. 

“Everybody had their own story to tell about a friend, loved one or relative who’s been affected by this insidious condition. 

“I met some great people who are coming to terms with  their own diagnosis. 

“All in all it was an incredible, emotional day and the £50,000 raised today will help us move a step closer to a cure. 

“Ruby, my dog, loved it too.”

Parkinson’s is what happens when the brain cells that make dopamine start to die.

There are more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety. Some are treatable, but the drugs can have serious side effects. 

It gets worse over time and there is currently no cure. 

A total of £50,000 was raised for Parkinson’s UK which will go towards research to find better treatments and a cure for the condition. 

Bethan Palfrey, community fundraising manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in Walk for Parkinson’s at Battersea Park, as well as all the volunteers who made the event possible.”

A spokeswoman from Parkinson’s UK said: “To find out more about fundraising for Parkinson’s UK please visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraising.”

Pictured top: David Clark and his dog, Ruby on the day (Picture: Parkinson’s UK)