Words by Smiley Team
Two friends, both living with Parkinson’s, are walking 670 miles from Scotland to London in a mission to raise vital funds for research into the condition.
Bill Bucklew, who was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s at 43 years old, set off on 14 September from John O’Groats, completing around 40 miles a day. He was joined by his friend John MacPhee for the Scottish leg of the walk. John, from Inverness, was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s in his 40s.
They are travelling down through the Highlands to Inverness, stopping at villages along the way, before making their way to Edinburgh and then crossing over into England.
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The 17-day walk will finish in Hoxton Square, London, where Parkinson’s was first established as a recognised medical condition by surgeon and researcher James Parkinson in 1817.
Not content with walking hundreds of miles, Bill will also then take on the Virgin Money London Marathon only a few days after completing the distance.
The pair hope their combined efforts will raise $1.1 million (£800,000) to be split between three charities: Parkinson’s UK, Cure Parkinson’s and The Michael J Fox Foundation, which is based in the USA.
“I went improperly diagnosed for around seven years, which has made me determined to raise awareness of the condition wherever I can,” said Bill. “Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and we need to ensure that people are able to get a diagnosis and access to treatment and support as soon as possible.”
Since his diagnosis, Bill - a US citizen of Scottish descent - has completed a number of events to raise funds for Parkinson’s research, including the Ironman Triathlon, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and numerous marathons.
“There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, but by funding promising research, we can accelerate the development of better treatments for the condition,” he added.
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Paul Jackson-Clark, Director of Engagement at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are so grateful to Bill and John for taking on this incredible challenge for Parkinson’s UK, and we wish them the very best of luck with their journey. Their commitment to making sure people with Parkinson’s live the best life possible, and to finding a cure, is truly inspiring.
To support Bill and John’s fundraising and find out more about the challenge, visit: walk4parkinsons.org/home/.
