As a woman living with Parkinson’s, I want to make a difference for others in the same situation. Can you help me raise funds and promote pedal power in the fight against the symptoms of Parkinson’s? I’m planning to join the next “Zwifters against Parkinson’s” bike ride from San Francisco to Phoenix, Arizona next May. Any contribution to help me raise awareness how bike-riding can empower people with Parkinson’s will have a great impact. Thank you.

When I was 52, 13 years ago, I got the diagnosis that hit me like a thunderbolt: Parkinson’s Disease. I had put the initial symptoms down to exhaustion from my demanding job running a successful equine livery yard, training horses and riders.

Or perhaps as side-effects of my bad back – something many professional riders constantly battle with.

But Parkinson’s? That felt more like a sentence, not an illness.

I was told to expect five good years and then I would rapidly deteriorate. I felt totally out of control.

The question “what would the future hold?” was constantly on my mind. The answer came in a cruel twist of fate: my mum was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s. As she rapidly declined, needing full time care within three years, the progression of Parkinson’s was played out before my eyes, as the disease took hold over the person I loved most. It was heartbreaking to see her become bedridden and unable to communicate, before, sadly, passing away.

Was this what the future had in store for me?

I decided not to take this lying down. But to get on my bike.

We all know that vigorous exercise is key for people living with Parkinson’s. So, encouraged by my husband, I rediscovered my bike, not having ridden since childhood. It wasn’t easy and I fell off numerous times. But spurred on by the overwhelming scientific evidence that cycling can not only improve the symptoms, but also slow down the progression of the disease, I kept going. Thirteen years later, I am still riding my horses – and riding my bike.

In May 2026, I am planning to join “Team West Coast” from the “Zwifters Against Parkinson”, a cycling community dedicated to promoting pedal power fighting the symptoms of Parkinson’s. I will be part of an epic ride from San Francisco to Phoenix, Arizona, where the World Parkinson’s Congress will be held. The cycling group, many of whom Parkinson’s sufferers, is set to cover 1608km in 18 days.

This will be an immense challenge for me. But I hope to raise awareness of this devastating disease and give hope to the growing number of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s that it is possible to fight back.

I need your help to make this possible. The money raised will be divided between my expenses associated with the ride and with these two registered Parkinson’s charities:

Parkinson’s UK and The Michael J Fox Foundation.

Please give me a leg up. And I’ll do my “Ride against the odds”.