WATCH: More than 100 people take part to first Inverness Walk for Parkinson's event
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The first ever Walk for Parkinson’s event in Inverness saw 120 people signed up to complete the route.
The event, organised by Parkinson's UK, saw charity supporters gather at Torvean Park yesterday as they walked either a two-mile or six-mile route along the canal path.
Earlier in the week the weather forecast had warned of a downpour.
However, on the day, there was not a drop in sight, with a high temperature and gentle breeze making ideal conditions for those who turned out to raise funds to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s.
Many of the people who took part are themselves living with the condition, but there were also many relatives, friends, carers and health professionals.
Andrew Grant from Inverness was diagnosed with Parkinson’s almost five years ago and is a member of the Inverness Support Group.
He supported the organisation of the event and completed the six-mile route.
“We were fortunate with the weather,” said Andrew. “I think we were all watching the forecast during the week and thought this walk would take place in the middle of a storm. But it brightened up!
“We had a brilliant turnout, lots of supporters came along as well. I think there was a real buzz around the place and hopefully the event will come back to Inverness.”
Walk for Parkinson's is the national community fundraising series of the charity Parkinson’s UK. Fourteen events are taking place throughout the summer across the UK.
Parkinson’s UK promotes the walks as a chance to get active, meet new people and raise funds to support research into better treatments for Parkinson’s.
“Hopefully this helps to raise awareness,” continued Andrew. “It was quite interesting, walking alongside the canal, which is a popular spot for locals. Because we all had our t-shirts on, quite a few stopped us to ask what the event was all about. So hopefully that helped and got people to think a little more about Parkinson’s.”
Next to the start line, Parkinson’s UK established an event village with information stalls about the work of the charity, the local support group, and physical activity opportunities in the area, such as Nordic Walking.
Members of the Parkinson’s Beats exercise drumming group from Morayshire provided a demonstration, while an outside broadcast from the crew from Inverness Hospital Radio provided entertainment and atmosphere.
“It’s been brilliant to be here in Inverness,” commented James Jopling, Scotland Director for Parkinson’s UK.
“Physical activity can make a meaningful difference to the experience of Parkinson’s, for people living with the condition. It can ease some of the symptoms and improve their general wellbeing. So it’s fantastic to have this event and, in particular, the two-mile route, which allows people with Parkinson’s to be able to participate.
“It’s also great for friends and family members to have the opportunity to challenge themselves a little more with the six-mile walk and raise money that funds our research into better treatments and, hopefully, a cure for Parkinson’s.”
