A Wandsworth dad living with Parkinson's and his family are setting out on a 26-mile coastal trek to raise money to support others with the condition.
Simon Davies, 63, his wife, three children, and other relatives will walk from Shipton Green to Pagham Harbour in West Sussex on May 2, in support of Parkinson’s UK.
The family of 12 will start the challenge at 8am, following a route that passes through the Chichester Canal before looping back toward the Witterings and covering the full marathon distance.
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Mr Davies, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in February 2017, described his approach to living with the condition.
He said: "Don’t give up. Do as much exercise as possible, and it will improve your fitness, improve your mobility, and help you to maintain a positive mental attitude. This will help you beat Parkinson’s."
Mr Davies’ mother, Mary, was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 64 and died at 75.
Before his diagnosis, Mr Davies completed the London Marathon in 2012 in three hours and 35 minutes, also in aid of Parkinson’s UK. Although he can no longer run, he has remained active through pilates, tai chi, and padel tennis.
Mr Davies said: "Family is enormously important to me. And they have been hugely supportive of this marathon walk. My wife and three children are all joining me, along with my two sisters, and my nephews and nieces.
"I have no doubt the walk will be tough, and at times painful, as some of my Parkinson’s symptoms will make it harder. But with the support of my family, and the incredibly generous donations we’ve received, I feel really motivated to see it through and complete the full 26 miles."
He now hopes to raise awareness of the condition and inspire others to stay active.
The family has already raised more than £8,500, surpassing their initial £7,500 target.
Neil Flack, community fundraiser for London at Parkinson’s UK, praised the family’s efforts.
Mr Flack said: "We are so grateful to the Davies family, and especially Simon for all his efforts in organising this marathon hike and for choosing to support Parkinson’s UK. Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time.
"Affecting 166,000 people in the UK, it has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is currently no cure. On behalf of everyone at Parkinson’s UK, thank you to Simon for going the distance and making such a meaningful difference."
Parkinson’s UK is the leading European funder of Parkinson’s research. The charity provides advice and support to people living with the condition and their families.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition with more than 40 known symptoms. Someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK every 20 minutes. By 2050, the number of people living with the condition worldwide will double to 25 million.
To support the Davies family and make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/page/simon-davies-100. For information or support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.
