Next month (July) a team of ten swimmers will circumnavigate the Isle of Wight to raise awareness and funds (donate now) for national charity, Cure Parkinson’s (see more).
Francesca McEwen shares more details below about the fundraising challenge, which also includes a bike ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End, and a hike up Mount Snowdon. Ed
Parkinson’s Disease is the fastest growing Neurological condition alongside Alzheimer’s. It is a progressive neurological condition which involves the loss of dopamine producing cells in the brain which controls movement and mood.
Too often, Parkinson’s is associated with symptoms of shakes, tremors and slowness but one of the most unrecognised symptoms is anxiety and depression. Like an iceberg, it isn’t what you see on the surface but what is going on underneath which has the greatest impact. There is great guidance in the saying that “you can’t change the past, you can only change the future and live in the now.”
Positively Parkinson’s
Whilst Cure Parkinson’s aim is find a cure, Positively Parkinson’s was established to support those living NOW with the condition and to raise awareness by demonstrating what can be achieved through a positive mindset.
An increasingly important part of the treatment of the condition is exercise which compliments medication and swimming is the perfect inclusive exercise.
Setting challenges
To demonstrate what can be achieved the Challenge was to swim across the Solent to the Isle of Wight which brought together a team of 12 swimmers from Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Norfolk to Yorkshire.
All had a personal connection to Parkinson’s, including three who had been diagnosed with the condition, to swim the 5,000 metres across the Solent navigating one of the nation’s busiest shipping lanes, escorted by a team of safety support kayaks.
2021 Fundraisers of the Year
After one false start due to bad weather, on Sunday 5th September 2021, the Positively Parkinson’s team of 12 swimmers each swam 5,000 metres across the Solent, from Gosport to Ryde (Isle of Wight) to raise over £47,000 for Cure Parkinson’s.
For their incredible swimming challenge and in recognition for “going above and beyond”, the Positively Parkinson’s team was awarded the 2021 Fundraisers of the Year’ by Cure Parkinson’s.
Knight: Incredible to see a vision become a reality
Vicky Knight said,
“After a lot of organising and delays it was incredible to see a vision become a reality.
“As well as raising an amazing amount of money we also created a team and community which we hope will continue to grow.”
Burns: Humbled by people’s generosity, kindness and empathy
Peter Burns said,
“The sheer emotion of arriving on the beach in Ryde having achieved the swim was quite remarkable.
“The amount raised was beyond our wildest expectations and we’ve been humbled by people’s generosity, kindness and empathy, with many sharing their own personal connection to Parkinson’s when they donated.”
Big Tri 2023 Challenge
For 2023 Positively Parkinson’s has an even bigger challenge…. This year we want to create an even bigger impact and involve more partners in the adventure. Please support us and join us in the Big Tri 2023 Challenge to raise awareness and funds for Cure Parkinson’s.
We are very grateful for your support to help us to deliver the following events:
Swim – Isle of Wight Circumnavigation Relay Swim – July 2023
The Isle of Wight Circumnavigation Challenge is being taken up by a team of ten swimmers (three of whom have Parkinson’s), each completing an hour in the water and then swapping.
The relay is going to take approximately 35 hours to complete which means swimming through the night in whatever conditions the south of England throws at them.
Positively Parkinson’s ambitious challenge is coached by Chloe McCardel, the World Record holder for 44 English Channel Solo Swims and supported by her boat the Channel Queen.
Bike – John O’Groats to Land’s End by Bike – August 2023
Support Positively Parkinson’s and help those living with Parkinson’s to have a positive attitude and remain active. The bike phase of the Big Tri is a duo team, one of the riders has Parkinson’s and the aim is to complete the ride in less than two weeks so please come and cheer them along if their route is near you.
Together we need your support to raise awareness and funds for Cure Parkinson’s plus help to cover the costs of the of this major logistical challenge.
Hike – The Big Hike – September 2023
The Big Hike Challenge is open to anyone who would like to hike up Mount Snowdon.
The route is going to ascend up the nine mile hike with a view to all get to the top as a group and that is where the challenge will finish.
Core values
Please Support Positively Parkinson’s and help those living with Parkinson’s to have a positive attitude and remain active. Our Challenge approach empowers individuals with the right support and education.
Positively Parkinson’s – Core Values
- Challenges, Motivation and Endeavour
- Adjusting to Life after Diagnosis
- Positive Mindset
- Rise to Challenges
- Keep a Perspective on Life
- Importance of Exercise
- Exercise Compliments Medication
- Supporting Community
- Friendship and Laughter
In aid of Live Life – Be Positive
- You can’t change the past, but you can the future and live in the now!
- Whether you believe you can, or you believe you can’t, you are right either way,
- So it’s better to believe you can, if you can!
- Accept the things you cannot change, courage to change the things you can and the wisdom to know the difference!
Show your support
You can show your support for the team by donating via the Just Giving Page.
For more information visit the Positively Parkinson’s Website.
