Gramps walking miles for charity
DAVID Burt, from Bridgend, will be stepping closer to a cure for Parkinson’s by taking part in the Walk for Parkinson’s fundraising event along the Swansea Bay coastline path next month.
David, 69, decided to get involved in the charity Parkinson’s UK’s annual walk as he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015. He’ll be joined on the day by his wife, daughter and granddaughter, together forming the “Walking for Gramps” team.
The family, who will be walking 6.2 miles, have already raised £1,255 for the charity and are now appealing for further sponsorship and for more people to sign up and take part in the event.
Parkinson’s UK is the leading charity driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condi- tion. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s through cutting-edge research, information, support and campaigning.
David has been supported by the charity and has fundraised for Parkinson’s UK in the past.
David said: “Since my diagnosis I have been impressed by the medical support at my local hospital and by the team at Parkinson’s UK.
“I want to find a cure for Parkinson’s and the best way for me to contribute is by raising money for Parkinson’s UK for research.
“Last year I organised a concert which raised £3,500 for the charity, and it would be great if the ‘Walking for Gramps’ team could match that sum.
“6.2 miles is further than I have walked in years, but I am in training to do the best I can. My legs ache, but apparently it’s good for me!”
The Walk for Parkinson’s event in Swansea is a new walk for 2018. There’s the choice of a 1.2-mile or 6.2-mile route along the coastline path.
Welsh TV broadcaster and Parkinson’s UK supporter Sian Lloyd is supporting the walks, as her mum has Parkinson’s.
She said: “Thank you to David and his family for signing up to walk for us this year.
“We want to make 2018 our biggest year yet for the Walk for Parkinson’s in Wales. I’d like to invite everyone, whatever their age, ability and level of fitness, to unite to improve life for people affected by Parkinson’s. So please join us at Walk for Parkinson’s at Swansea. Every step takes us closer to a cure.”
The funds raised by Walk for Parkinson’s at Swansea will help Parkinson’s UK to find better treatments and ultimately a cure for the 7,700 people living with Parkinson’s across Wales.
You can support the “Walking for Gramps” team on May 20 by donating to their Just Giving page: www.justgiving. com/fundraising/ walkingforgrampsdavidburt
To sign up for the Walk for Parkinson’s event at Swansea, visit: www.parkinsons.org. uk/walkswansea or call 020 7963 3912 or email fundraising@ parkinsons.org.uk – the entry fee is £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s.