Dynamic duo tackle walk for Parkinson’s charity
A MUCH-LOVED grandfather’s battle with Parkinson’s has inspired two of his loved ones to take on a charity trek.
Mum and daughter dynamic duo Maureen and Sam Todd, from Kilmacolm, will be taking part in the Walk for Parkinson’s fundraiser at a country park in Hamilton.
The pair are stepping up because Maureen’s father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in 2018 and is now living in a care home.
She and her daughter are hoping to boost the search for new treatment for the disease, which had affected her dad before he found out what was wrong.
Maureen said: “My dad had symptoms for quite some time before he was diagnosed.
“It affects his mobility and he has a mild tremor with involuntary movements.
“Fortunately it has been fairly slow progressing so far.
“However, he is now in a care home as he was struggling to cope at home and didn’t always remember to take his tablets.”
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, with almost 13,000 people living with the condition in Scotland.
Parkinson’s UK estimates that, within five years, that number will have increased to around 15,000.
With the condition becoming more prevalent, more people have been motivated to find new treatments for Parkinson’s, including the Todd family.
Maureen said: “I’m delighted to play a small part in raising money for looking into new treatments and maybe a cure.
“It would improve my dad’s quality of life if he could get a new and better treatment.
“I’m looking forward to the walk, spending time with my daughter and the camaraderie of the group walking together for a
shared cause.”
Last year, Maureen and Sam took part in Walk for Parkinson’s at Scone Palace.
There’s still time for people to sign up for this year’s event at Chatelherault Country Park, which takes place on June 2.
Participants can opt to complete either the one-mile, fully accessible route, or the longer, more challenging six-mile walk.
Julie Ionta, a community fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK, said: “It’s inspiring to have people like
Maureen and Sam sign up to help raise money to fund research into the most promising new treatments.
“Walk for Parkinson’s is not just a fantastic way to raise funds to support people living with Parkinson’s. They’re also brilliant community events, following beautiful scenic routes.
“We hope as many people as possible will come along to take part in our walk in Hamilton next month, which promises to be lots of fun.”