THIS January charity Parkinson’s UK is launching its annual Walk for Parkinson’s fundraiser, and is calling for people of all ages and abilities from the South West to unite with thousands of others around the UK to sign-up to step closer to a cure for Parkinson’s.

Walks in the South West include the Cotswolds walk near Cheltenham (Sunday, May 12), the South West Coastal Path in Budleigh Salterton (Sunday, June 23), Wilton House near Salisbury (Sunday, July 14), Gribbin Head in Cornwall (Sunday, September 8), and Ashton Court in Bristol (Sunday, September 29).

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that affects 145,000 people across the UK, with an estimated 13,653 people living with Parkinson’s in the South West.

It can affect people of all ages and has more than 40 symptoms including tremor, loss of mobility and dementia.

During the past four years Walk for Parkinson’s fundraisers have raised more than £1.5 million for Parkinson’s UK’s pioneering research to find a cure for the condition – and the charity believes that scientists could now be on the verge of major breakthroughs.

Sky Sports Presenter and Champion of Walking for Parkinson’s UK Dave Clark was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011 aged 44.

He is a keen walker himself and is encouraging people to lace up their walking boots to raise funds to help end Parkinson’s for good.

He said: “Parkinson’s has had a huge impact on my life. On my worst days it’s hard to walk, talk or write my own name, and it’s tough knowing that things will get even harder for me and my family as it progresses.

“But Parkinson’s UK’s pioneering research gives me hope that we will find a cure for this brutal condition, and walking helps me stay active and positive.

“Walk for Parkinson’s events have already raised a phenomenal amount of money for the fight to find a cure - and we’re now on the verge of major research breakthroughs that could end Parkinson’s for good.

“So, whatever your age or ability, please sign-up to join a walk near you in the South West and be part of the final push to find a cure.”

To find out more about the walks, and to sign up to one near you, visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/walk .