Waterlooville man with Parkinson's to complete 100-mile Thames Path challenge for charity

In January 2019, Waterlooville resident Antony Rose was diagnosed with Parkinson’s aged just 49, and he is determined to take on this challenge to raise funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

Across Saturday and Sunday, Antony is set to complete 100 miles along the Thames Path in just 28 hours, after the challenge was postponed from May due to Covid-19.

The gruelling Thames Path challenge begins at Richmond Waterfront on the river Thames, and follows the river to Oxford where participants must cross the finish line within 28 hours of setting off.

Antony said: ‘The original date of the Thames Path 100 was May 4 so a lot of the training was during the wet - sometimes very wet - and cold of the winter. Part of my training has also been to test out when I need to take my Parkinson’s medication and what foods will have an impact.

‘Unfortunately training had to take a back seat after May as my mum was diagnosed with cancer and she passed away in July. It was hard not being able to visit her until shortly before her death, and she'll be in my thoughts while plodding alongside the Thames.’

Antony has always enjoyed running, though his Parkinson’s has had an impact on his movement as it causes muscles to contract uncontrollably.

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He said: ‘It took two years to diagnose my Parkinson's, during which time I went from being able to complete 50 milers to not being able to walk to the shops without my left leg locking up due to dystonia.’

However, Antony is determined to take on this challenge and raise funds for The Cure Parkinson’s Trust, a charity dedicated to finding a cure for the life-changing neurological condition.

He was inspired to support the charity after seeing a BBC documentary about research into a cure which featured charity founder Tom Isaacs.

Antony has started a blog on Instagram called @puckfarkinsons to try and share his experiences and raise some awareness.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/twigthamespath100 to learn more about the 100-mile challenge and donate.

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