A 56-year-old man living with Parkinson’s is going to cycle nearly 1,400 miles from Liverpool to the Polish-Ukrainian border to raise money for Parkinson’s UK and children’s charity Terre des hommes.
Gary Shaughnessy, from Tadley, will be joined by seven friends, and they will cycle around 100 miles every day for two weeks. Gary, who is Chair of Trustees for Parkinson’s UK and the Z Zurich Foundation, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015 and he is determined to not let the condition define him.
He decided to complete this new challenge after housing a family from Ukraine and being inspired to help other children, young people and their families. Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed. There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.
Gary said: “So many people don’t know what Parkinson’s is, and the challenges I take on are all about raising awareness of the condition, and also feeling more in control of my Parkinson’s. The condition makes you feel like you’ve lost control, but when I’m doing exercise I feel more in charge and it helps relieve my symptoms. It helps me poke Parkinson’s in the eye!
“As well as supporting Parkinson’s UK, I’m also proud to be supporting Terre des hommes, a charity that supports mental well-being amongst young Ukrainian people who have become refugees because of the awful conflict. Having Elena and her wonderful family stay with us, has brought home the reality of a situation where families have been separated, loved ones lost, and security shattered. The mental scars for so many young people are hugely damaging.”
Gary will begin his epic challenge on Sunday 7 May, setting off from Liverpool. He will head to Rotterdam, then Germany, before finishing at the Polish-Ukrainian border, stopping at 50 Zurich offices along the way, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Z Zurich Foundation. The Z Zurich Foundation focuses on supporting causes that benefit vulnerable people worldwide to thrive in the face of climate change, improve their mental wellbeing and reach their full potential. When Gary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, he was working as CEO of Zurich’s UK life business, and in July 2016 he was appointed as Zurich’s CEO for Europe, Middle East & Africa.
Through this challenge, every pound that Gary fundraises for Parkinson's UK will be matched by Z Zurich Foundation and the matched money will be donated to children's aid organisation Terre des hommes. The organisation is providing psychosocial support to children who have had to flee their homes as a result of the conflict in Ukraine.
Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Gary is truly inspirational and we wish him the best of luck in his challenge. Since his diagnosis, Gary has focused his efforts on raising awareness of Parkinson’s, raising over £100,000 for Parkinson’s UK to date through a variety of fundraising challenges - this will be an incredible challenge to go along with the tough events he’s done over the last few years.
“We’re so grateful to Gary for supporting Parkinson’s UK and helping us get closer to better treatments and ultimately a cure; supporting our community and funding and campaigning for better health and care. We hope that Gary’s passion for supporting causes that are close to his heart inspires you to take on a challenge and make a difference.”
Parkinson's UK is here for everyone affected by the condition. It funds research into the most promising treatments, and fights for fair treatment and better services.
Gary continued: “The main medication that helps people manage Parkinson’s was designed in the 1960s and there is no cure - yet. I hope that my extreme challenges will encourage others living with Parkinson’s to get active, and will also encourage people to donate towards research that could lead to a cure.”
Gary’s Liverpool to the Polish-Ukrainian border cycle challenge has been made possible thanks to sponsorship from BSG Financial Solutions, DAC Beachcroft, and Dynamic Planner. The IT Ukraine Association has also been a great support in helping promote the event. To sponsor Gary visit www.justgiving.com/gary-shaughnessy2
