Mike Smith

Dates: 1-14th September 2021

Method: Walking

Help Mike Smith raise money for

Team Pen Y Fan 

Mike Smith is from Bristol and was introduced to Darren Calder when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 6 years ago.

Strangely Mike’s brother went to school with Darren, who would have known all those years ago that Mike and Darren would both end up with Parkinson’s.

Mike’s was diagnosed  6 years ago. His main symptom is rigidity and he has serious struggles with dyskinesia. Most people would be relieved to crawl into bed at night, but  lack of sleep only adds to the exhaustion and Mike is still only 54 so has a long life ahead of him to face into these challenges.

He remains positive throughout and when Darren and Mike get together it is lovely to share with someone who understands. When Mike and his fiancé Julie heard about Darren’s journey with GDNF they set about holding a fabulous charity event raising around 7K for GDNF research back in 2019.

Mike and Julie have decided to take their latest GDNF challenge to Wales where they will be climbing Pen Y Fan on Sun 5th Sept with their team.

They will be joined by many of their friends and family who want to support research into Parkinson’s.

Mike says – Parkinson’s is dreadful condition and all I want is to be able to do what I can to help  find a cure.

Julie says – watching your loved one in pain is something I will always struggle to come terms with. We need better treatments and much more focus on the whole Parkinson journey. It is time to Stand Up, Shout Out and Be Counted!

 

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