Jamie Snarski from Chesterfield, along with Allan Coe from Sussex, will set off on Monday 7th August to take on the 1,000 or so mile cycle from John O’Groats in Scotland’s to Land’s End in Cornwall. The duo are part of the Positively Parkinson’s team, who are raising money for research charity Cure Parkinson’s.
This event is the second leg of the Positively Parkinson’s team’s ‘Big Tri’ challenge, which consists of a swim, bike and hike. A few weeks ago, the team faced a real life challenge with the relay swim circumnavigating the Isle of Wight. Shortly after the start of the relay swim the accompanying support vessel, operated by a contracted company, was involved in a collision causing the boat to take on water. Thankfully all of those onboard were rescued and returned safely to shore. We are truly grateful for the speedy action of the RNLI from Yarmouth and for the two boats that were on standby to help after hearing the emergency call. For the swim, the team are even more determined to succeed and will announce future plans on the challenge at a later date.
THE BIG TRI - BIKE
Meanwhile the Positively Parkinson’s baton has now been passed to the dynamic duo of Jamie Snarski and Allan Coe. They will be joined by various cyclists along their way from Scotland to Cornwall.
Allan, who lives with Parkinson’s, and Jamie are both tackling all three of the Big Tri disciplines, although initially Jamie didn’t intend to take part in all three events:
“My passion for swimming, cycling, running and design led to my involvement in creating the marketing materials for the Big Tri 2023 campaign. I asked to be included in one of the events, and before I knew it, I was signed up for all three!”
Jamie continued:
“Four years ago, I started doing events for charities and have since strived to do at least one big event every year for a different charity.
“As someone who always looks for opportunities to give back, I am supporting Positively Parkinson’s this year. Seeing how the disease is affecting a member of our local running club, I believe supporting such an amazing charity and raising awareness is a no-brainer.”
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS? Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. In the UK every hour two people are told they have Parkinson’s and it is predicted that 1 person in 37 will experience a diagnosis of Parkinson’s in their lifetime. Currently in this country around 145,000 people are living with the condition. Originally considered to be an older persons condition the number of people affected by young onset Parkinson’s is increasing. Each person diagnosed with Parkinson’s has a different combination of symptoms and side effects which makes it more of a condition than a disease.
THE REASON WE ARE DOING THIS - is that a large percentage of the public are unaware of what Parkinson’s is and does - and they need to be. That is why events like the BIG TRI 2023 - SWIM, BIKE, HIKE are so important for raising awareness and funds. A very big thank you goes to the incredible team of tireless, kind and enthusiastic individuals who are making this all possible and thank you to all the supporters who have made a donation, or are about to!
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Join us in the Big Tri Challenge to raise awareness and funds for Cure Parkinson’s. Why not create your own event this year, organising a challenge based on any or all of the three activities. The distance and timeframe is completely up to you and you will be joining a fantastic Positive Community coming together to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and funds for curative research.
SWIM - Pool, Open Water, Sea or even Learn to Swim
You could take on a challenge at your local pool or swim open water. Not currently a swimmer? Why not get sponsorships to learn to swim a set distance over the coming months.
BIKE - John O’Groats to Land’s End by Bike - August 2023
Recreational, Keep Fit or Competitive - Whether taking on a challenge in a spinning class or cycling a set distance solo or in a group, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Allan and Jamie’s aim is to complete the ride in less than two weeks so please come and cheer them along if their route is near you.
Monday 7 August John O’Groats to Tongue 64 miles/102Km
Tuesday 8 August Tongue to Alness 64 miles/102km
Wednesday 9 August Alness to Aviemore 66 miles/106Km
Thursday 10 August Aviemore to Pitlochry 60 miles/96Km
Friday11 August Pitlochry to Balloch 92 miles/147Km
Saturday 12 August Balloch to Moffat 83 miles/133Km
Sunday 13 August Moffat to Penrith 70 miles/112Km
Monday 14 August Penrith to Garstang 70 miles/112Km
Tuesday 15 August Garstang to Nantwich 85 miles/136Km
Wednesday 16 August Nantwich to Worcester 83 miles/134Km
Thursday 17 August Worcester to Clevedon 91 miles/146Km
Friday 18 August Clevedon to Crediton 86 miles/138Km
Saturday 19 August Crediton to Fowey 65 miles/105Km
Sunday 20 August Land’s End & finish 65 miles/105Km
HIKE - The Big Hike - September 2023
The Positively Parkinson’s group have organised a Mount Snowdon hike and they are welcoming anyone who would like to join them in taking on the mountain. There are various hiking routes depending on fitness and ability to ascend up to the summit, where the aim is to get all the climbers together in a group at the top which is where the challenge will finish. Or, why not take on your own walking or hiking challenge in a location of your choice?
Helen Matthews, CEO of Cure Parkinson's said:
“The Positively Parkinson's team are simply inspirational. Their determination and dedication to raising funds and awareness is incredible, and they have really created a community to support people living with the condition. We are so grateful to the entire team for their efforts to help find the cure for Parkinson's that is so urgently needed.”
To support the team, please visit:
www.justgiving.com/campaign/positively-parkinsons-big-tri
To find out more about the team or to join the Positively Parkinson's community in creating your own Big Tri or fundraising challenge please visit: cureparkinsons.org.uk/2023/06/positively-parkinsons-return-with-the-big-tri-2023