A 56-year-old man with Parkinson’s is going to cycle nearly 1,400 miles from Liverpool to the Polish-Ukrainian border to raise money for Parkinson's UK and children’s charity Terre des hommes.

Gary Shaughnessy, from Tadley, will be joined by seven friends as they cycle around 100 miles every day for two weeks.

Gary, who is the chair of trustees for Parkinson’s UK and the Z Zurich Foundation, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015.

He is completing this new challenge after housing a family from Ukraine and being inspired to help other children, young people and their families.

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Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, which affects around 145,000 people in the UK. There are over 40 symptoms, from tremors and pain to anxiety. 

Gary said:“So many people don’t know what Parkinson’s is, and the challenges I take on are all about raising awareness of the condition, and also feeling more in control of my Parkinson’s. 

“As well as supporting Parkinson’s UK, I’m also proud to be supporting Terre des Hommes, a charity that supports mental well-being amongst young Ukrainian people who have become refugees because of the awful conflict.”

Gary added: “The main medication that helps people manage Parkinson’s was designed in the 1960s and there is no cure - yet. I hope that my challenges will encourage others living with Parkinson’s to get active, and will also encourage people to donate towards research that could lead to a cure.”

Basingstoke Gazette:

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Gary will begin his challenge on May 7, setting off from Liverpool. He will head to Rotterdam, then Germany, before finishing at the Polish-Ukrainian border, stopping at 50 Zurich offices to mark the 50th anniversary of the Z Zurich Foundation.

Every pound that Gary fundraises for Parkinson's UK will be matched by Z Zurich Foundation, with the matched money being donated to children's aid organisation Terre des hommes. 

Chief Executive at Parkinson’s UK, Caroline Rassell, said: “Since his diagnosis, Gary has focused his efforts on raising awareness of Parkinson’s, raising over £100,000 for Parkinson’s UK to date through a variety of fundraising challenges - this will be an incredible challenge to go along with the tough events he’s done over the last few years.

“We’re so grateful to Gary for supporting Parkinson’s UK and helping us get closer to better treatments and ultimately a cure. We hope that Gary’s passion for supporting causes that are close to his heart inspires others."

To donate to Gary, visit justgiving.com/gary-shaughnessy2.