A Farnsfield man living with Parkinson’s is encouraging the local community to join in with a sponsored walk in support of Parkinson’s UK.

John Butler, 69, is planning the 8.3-mile walk on Saturday, 23rd April with the help of a committee — and hopes to get 100 people to sign up.

It follows a sponsored walk last year when John and some friends raised just over £1,000 for the charity.

John said: “This walk is about getting people together again after a difficult few years, raising awareness of Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s UK, with the added bonus of raising funds along the way. The aim is to raise £3,000.”

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, including an estimated 11,600 in the East Midlands.

The walk will begin at The Plough, Farnsfield, at 11am and will finish back at the pub at approximately 3.30pm. It will include stop-offs at pubs and local golf clubs, where walkers will receive a drink and a bite to eat at the BBQ.

Katie Thomas, regional fundraiser for the East Midlands at Parkinson’s UK, said:  “We want to say a big thank you to John and the committee for organising this wonderful challenge to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.

“With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough.

“Fundraising helps us drive forward the research we need, as well as fund crucial support to help people with Parkinson’s to live well.”

A registration fee of £15 is required to sign up, which will provide a donation to Parkinson’s UK and cover the cost of food for participants.

To take part, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/farnsfield-walk-for-parkinsons-tickets-243789981397?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

To donate to John’s fundraising, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/john-butler28