Lymm to Athens: A 2500 mile cycling adventure for Parkinson's Disease

On June 1st I'll be setting off on an epic 2500 mile cycling adventure from Lymm village to Athens in Greece. It will take me 3 months and see me through the mountain ranges, national parks and sprawling cities of 12 European countries, camping under the stars most nights along the way. It's not my first cycling odyssey. I've ridden 500 miles around Northern France and pilgrimed my way through the Camino De Santiago... but this will be my biggest and longest ride to date!

Seven years ago my Mum was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, while I pedal my way to the Acropolis I want to raise money for the two charities that have helped her and us over the past few years.

Rock Steady Boxing (Off The Ropes) is a local non-profit organisation based in Warrington aimed at providing specialist non-contact training sessions for local people with the disease. The coordination and upper body strength exercises as well as the tight knit community of trainers and attendees have proven incredibly beneficial for my mum. Proceeds will go towards keeping the lights on the in gym and general maintenance of equipment.

Parkinson's UK is a nationwide charity spearheading awareness, support and research into the disease. They helped support my mum immediately after her diagnosis by providing assistance in securing additional tech equipment so she could continue doing the job she loves whilst also providing her with a wealth of resources and local Parkinson's communities to get involved with.

The trip is fully self-funded by myself so 100% of donations will be split 50/50 between the two charities.