Pedal For Parkinsons This Summer In Stratford

By Ben Aulakh

People in Stratford are being encouraged to get into the Olympic spirit and put the pedal to the metal this summer to raise vital funds for Parkinson’s UK.

Cyclists are being challenged to take part in the ‘Pedal for Parkinson’s one-day event in Stratford-upon-Avon on Sunday June 10 at 9am.

Anyone taking part will have the chance to wend their way through the picturesque Warwickshire countryside on either a 5, 20 or 60 mile route.

The charity ride will start and finish at the town’s racecourse.

Stratford-upon-Avon has been specially selected as just one of four locations across the UK, where the organised Pedal for Parkinson's rides will take place.

Director of Fundraising at Parkinson's UK Paul Jackson-Clark said, “We are delighted to announce we will once again host a Pedal event in Stratford-upon-Avon.

“The event was such a success last year and we were made to feel very welcome; the cycle routes are designed for everyone, from families to experienced cyclists and I would encourage everyone to get involved to help us reach our fundraising target.”

“All funds raised from Pedal for Parkinson's will go towards funding specialist Parkinson's nurses in the UK. We are totally dependent on donations, so this event can make a real difference to our work to improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's."

The entry fee for taking up the two-wheeled challenge is £7 for the 5 mile route, and £18 for the 20 and 60 mile routes; all courses are free for under 16’s.

All those taking part will receive an exclusive Pedal for Parkinson's cycling top, sponsorship forms and regular newsletters with fundraising and training tips.

The charity is hoping that all the sponsorship gathered from all their cycling events will raise £45,000 towards funding specialist Parkinson's nurses across the UK.

The Monument Trust has established a fund to match all sponsorship raised during the Pedal events, so all funds raised by the charity's cyclists will be doubled.

Anyone wanting to register can call the Parkinson's UK Events Team on 020 7963 9305, sign up online at www.parkinsons.org.uk/pedal, or email events@parkinsons.org.uk

Anyone wanting to help run the event on the day should call the Events Team on 020 7963 9305, or email events@parkinsons.org.uk.