2025 in 2024 - Going the Extra Mile (Parkinson's U.K.)

About this Giving Opportunity

Since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015, I have had incredible support from my family, friends and colleagues to help me fight back against this relentless condition. Alongside the medication that I use to help mask the condition, there are two things that I believe help slow its progress: plenty of exercise and a positive outlook. 

These have helped me manage my Parkinson’s, meet some incredible people, share my experience of the benefits of exercise and help raise awareness of Parkinson’s and funds to support the search for a cure or way to slow it and ways to help the increasing number of people who live with the condition or love those who do and for whom Parkinson’s U.K. aim to bring hope for the future, care now and when life is at its most challenging and control to live life to its fullest. 

Nine Years of Challenges, Gratitude, Impact

The last nine years have included world records, marathons, abseiling, extreme triathlons, swimming, cycling, rowing, wing walking, zip wires, and more. I want to thank everyone who has taken part in or supported me in any way.

These challenges have raised funds for Parkinson’s U.K. and other causes that make a difference to many people in need in the U.K. and worldwide. By matching your donations, the Z Zurich Foundation has made a lasting difference to many more people and increased the generosity of everyone who has donated or sponsored us. Thank you to you all.

2025 Miles: New Heights Ahead

This year's list of challenges will mean I cover more than 2025 miles in different events, including going a step further than before:

• London marathon - April
• Kayaking three lakes in 3 days in Wales, England, and Scotland, plus the longest zip wire in Europe
• Cycling from Hadrians Wall to Hastings - May
• ten marathons in 10 days - June
• Cycling from southern Norway to the Arctic Circle - August
• Sea to Summit - November
• San Sebastián marathon - December
• ten marathons in 10 days - December

Double Your Impact for Parkinson's

By donating to this fundraiser, you will support Parkinson’s U.K. and help to fund a new approach to drug development, which is being developed with other great charities (both overseas and in the U.K.). This approach aims to be significantly more efficient and effective in delivering new and better treatments to patients in years, not decades. Funds will also support more Parkinson’s Nurses posts and grants to provide exercise-related services and support to people across the U.K.

If you donate here, the Z Zurich Foundation will match your donation £ for £. So if you donate £5, that’s actually worth £10.

Thanks for your generous donation.

Gary Shaughnessy