Podiatrist in marathon quest to raise cash for community group
A FUNDRAISER whose father suffers from Parkinson’s Disease is taking on the London Marathon in support of the community group that supports her dad.
Rachel Vernon says the Alex Project in Bollington has been a lifeline for dad Wesley Vernon, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s two years ago.
The project, based at Bollington Leisure Centre, offers a range of exercise classes, massage, swimming and complementary therapies for people with Parkinson’s and their carers.
Wesley, 59, attends every Wednesday morning.
Rachel, who is a former manager of the Society Rooms in Macclesfield and now works as a podiatrist, said: “I want to raise as much money as possible for Parkinson’s UK, but I also want to raise awareness of the Alex Project because it’s such a fantastic group.
“There are so many people out there struggling with symptoms and diagnosis, and they don’t know that these support groups are out there.
“My dad wasn’t keen on going at first because he didn’t want to surround himself with a load of people who were further on than him, but he loves it and he’s made loads of friends.
“People don’t just go to chat, they also provide complementary therapies such as exercise classes like Pilates, massage, hydrotherapy and swimming. These activities aid sufferers with mobility and strength as well as reducing anxiety, stress and isolation by socialising with other people with the same condition.”
Mum of one Rachel, who now lives in Crewe with husband Jamie Mudd and their five-year-old son Joshua, is hoping to raise £5,000 for Parkinson’s UK.
She said: “I began fundraising for Parkinson’s by running - I’d never ran before that being an asthmatic it never came easy.
“It helped me deal with [my dad’s diagnosis] but it’s has become a routine thing now.
“It gives me a challenge and helps me to raise money for the charity, I just keep changing the challenge each year.”
So far Rachel has raised almost £1,000 towards her London run.
To sponsor her go to www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Rachelvernon
To learn more about the Alex Project, go to parkinsons.org.uk/ opportunities/alexproject.