TWO friends who held the World Record for running a three-legged race have vowed to break the record again after being beaten by an Australian duo.
Gary Shaughnessy, from Tadley, and Andy Tucker ran 71.4km on Silchester Playing Fields in 2021 to secure the title for ‘farthest distance run three-legged in 12 hours’
However, their record was beaten in August by an Australian pair who ran 72.169 km.
With their best beaten, the pals are going to attempt to reclaim their record on Sunday, September 24 and raise funds for Parkinson’s UK in the process.
Gary is the chair of trustees for Parkinson’s UK and the Z Zurich Foundation and was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2015.
He 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.
“The condition makes you feel like you’ve lost control, but when I’m doing exercise I feel more in charge and it helps relieve my symptoms. It helps me poke Parkinson’s in the eye.”
Gary and Andy will start the challenge at 7am and will aim to complete as many loops of Silchester Playing Fields as they can in just 12 hours.
SEE ALSO: Plans to cut transport services will have a 'devastating' impact on vulnerable people
To date, Gary has raised more than £100,000 for Parkinson’s UK through a variety of fundraising challenges, including cycling from Liverpool to the Polish-Ukrainian border in May and cycling from London to Barcelona in July.
Gary continued: “I hope that my challenges and determination to keep active 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.”
Affecting around 140,000 people in the UK Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world.
Caroline Rassell, chief executive at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Gary is truly inspirational and we wish him the best of luck in his challenge.
"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.”
To sponsor Gary and Andy on their fundraising challenge, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/gary-shaughnessy2
Parkinson’s UK is also on the lookout for volunteers to help on the day. To find out more and to sign up to volunteer email Katy Slade at kslade@parkinsons.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here