Pedal for Parkinson’s

The Rhodes University Health Suite’s Indoor Cycling (RUHSIC) section will be hosting its annual cyclathon on Friday 30 September.

The cyclathon, which started in 2009, raises funds each year for different causes as part of the RU Health Suite's initiative for community development. Funds over the last few years have gone to motor-neuron related diseases and this year the funds will go to the Parkin- son’s and Movement Related Disorder Association of South Africa.

Tracy Probert, the head of RUHSIC says: “This year we have chosen the Parkinson’s and Movement Related Disorder Association of South Africa as our beneficiary because research suggests that (stationery) cycling can assist in alleviating symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.”

RUHSIC will be open next week to the public for 12 hours of cycling where cyclists can pay R35 per hour to support the cause. There will be live DJs, strobe lights and enthusiastic cyclists to cheer participants on. Spectators are welcome too, with food and drinks on sale by Picnic Grahamstown.

To be involved in the event, participants must make a booking with RUHSIC assistants who have been advertised on the event page on Facebook: RUHSIC Cyclathon 2016 - Ped- alling for Parkinson’s; or you can email for enquiries.

Probert encourages participants of all fitness levels including newcomers to join the cause hoping “to inspire individuals to choose a healthier, more active lifestyle so as to benefit themselves in the future and to actively raise money towards the Parkinson’s Association of South Africa”.

Leading up to the event will be an educational talk hosted by RUHSIC: I preserve to conquer. This is a symposium lead by Phillip Court, a Parkinson’s patient, Dr Dwyer, local medical doctor and Caitlyn Potgieter a personal trainer who works with Parkinson’s patients. The talk will be held in Eden Grove at 6pm on Wednesday 28 September. “This event aims to create awareness around the cause, as well as sensitise students and community members around issues relating to Parkinson’s,” says Probert.