Walkers in Belfast asked to unite against Parkinsons

by Gráinne Connolly

Belfast residents are being asked to unite with thousands of people across the UK and Walk for Parkinson’s at Lagan Towpath on Sunday 10 June.

The event will raise vital funds for the charity Parkinson’s UK, and is one of many walks taking place all over the UK throughout 2018.

Two people are diagnosed with the condition every hour in the UK and Walk for Parkinson’s events aim to raise over £500,000 for research to step closer to a cure. 
 

This year, the event offers longer and shorter distance walks at Lagan Towpath including a 2.5 mile or 8 mile walk. 

Both routes take walkers along the River Lagan and through a variety of wetland, riverside meadows and mixed woodland.

Last year, more than 80 people took part in the walk at Lagan Towpath to raise £6,300 between them, and Parkinson’s UK hopes to raise even more this year.

The registration fee is £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s. Everyone who registers will receive a free Parkinson’s UK t-shirt, fundraising pack and at the end of the walk, a finisher’s medal.

As the charity is hoping to raise over £500,000 from the 37 events it suggests walkers aim to raise at least £50.

All the money raised from the event will fund research to help to find a cure and improve the lives of the 3,716 people across Northern Ireland living with Parkinson’s.
 

Parkinson’s UK is also looking for volunteers to help register people at the start/finish area, or to be a walk marshal at various points on the route during the day.

To find out more, or to sign up to walk or volunteer at the event, visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/walklagantowpath, call 020 7963 3912, or email fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk

For a full list of the 37 locations in the Walk for Parkinson’s series, visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/walks