Fundraising brothers call on Londoners to step up for Walk for Parkinson’s at Battersea Park on 7 September
Brothers, Jack, George and Tom McFerran, are calling on Londoners to take part in Walk for Parkinson’s at Battersea Park on Sunday 7 September. They and their families took part in the walk for the first time last year in honour of their 82-year-old father, Rowan “Popski” McFerran, who has Parkinson’s.
The brothers are encouraging others to get involved in the walk to support Parkinson’s UK’s Nurse Appeal, which is aiming to raise £9m to fund Parkinson's nurses and other specialists.
Parkinson’s specialists are a lifeline for the 166,000 people in the UK living with Parkinson’s, but currently over 30,000 people with the condition lack access to them. The nationwide shortage in specialists plus a lack of understanding of Parkinson’s among other health and care professionals means that around 1 in 5 people with the condition are missing out on the expert care they desperately need.
The McFerran brothers were inspired to get involved last year and take the step to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK not only for their father Rowan but also for their mother who is his primary carer.
Tom McFerran, Director of Fund Management at Invesco, said:
“The whole experience was phenomenal. It was beautifully organised - not over the top or commercial, and not too focused solely on Parkinson’s. It felt more about the wonderful sense of being together on a journey. The atmosphere from all the walkers and supporters was truly lovely and very positive - and our father made the full distance!”
Walk for Parkinson’s at Battersea Park will take place on Sunday 7 September, with two routes available: a 1.5-mile walk and a longer 6.1-mile route. It costs just £12 to sign up to Walk for Parkinson’s (under-18s go free!) and the suggested sponsorship target per person is £100.
All 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. As well as walkers, the charity is on the look-out for volunteers to help on the day. Online registration is open until 31 August, but it is also possible to sign up on the day.
Mohammed Kalam, Community Fundraiser - London at Parkinson’s UK, said:
“It’s inspiring to have people like the McFerran family sign up to support Walk for Parkinson’s to help raise money for Parkinson’s Nurse Appeal. The funds raised will aim to raise £9 million over three years to increase the number of Parkinson’s specialists. This will give thousands of people with Parkinson’s access to the specialist care they need.
“We hope as many people as possible will come along to take part in the walk, which promises to be lots of fun. We’re also keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in volunteering to support the smooth running of the event.”
To find out more about Walk for Parkinson’s and to sign up to walk or volunteer visit: parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/walk-parkinsons or email: [email protected]
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.
Parkinson’s UK is the leading European funder of Parkinson’s research and here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. For information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.