A HAVERFORDWEST man is organising the annual Haverfordwest ‘Pub Walk’ for Parkinson’s UK on Saturday, June 11, in memory of his late father who had Parkinson’s.
Bob Ratcliffe’s father had Parkinson’s for many years, and insisted that after his death, his brain and spinal column went to Parkinson’s research. He passed away in June 2010.
The first pub walk Bob organised, which raised just over £700, took place in Nottinghamshire in 2011 and has since grown each year. In 2020, it raised £6,500 with a record 204 walkers taking part in the walk. The event is now part of the local ‘social calendar’.
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK, including 7,600 in Wales. There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.
Bob said: “Since my father passed away in 2010, we’ve been fundraising for Parkinson’s UK and the great work they do. After three Great North Runs, we decided to organise a less strenuous and more enjoyable activity which could be inclusive for all and so the annual ‘Pub Walk for Parkinson’s’ was established in 2011.
“Traditionally, it was always held on the Saturday nearest to my father’s birthday in March. The 2020 walk had 204 walkers and we raised about £6,000. I’m delighted that the walk back in Nottinghamshire continues with new organisers as it has become a part of the social calendar there. Having moved to Haverfordwest in January 2021, my wife Jane and I have planned a similar walk here on Saturday 11th June. It’s a circular 7.5 mile route from the Cricket Club on Dale Road with suitable stops arranged around the town to replace lost fluids! There will also be a large raffle in the cricket club after the walk.’’
Parkinson’s UK is the largest European charitable funder of Parkinson’s research, leading the way in driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condition.
Ann Rowe, Head of Regional Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are so grateful to Bob for organising this walk for Parkinson’s UK.
“With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough. Fundraisers like Bob help us to drive forward the groundbreaking research we need to transform the lives of people affected by the condition.”
Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/haverfordwest-pub-walk-for-parkinsons-2022-tickets-260324596877
