A woman from Machynlleth, Powys, turned daredevil on Sunday 09 June and completed an abseil challenge to raise over £640 for charity Parkinson’s UK.
Jacqueline Whiteley faced her fears to abseil 150 feet down a cliff edge in Breakwater Country Park in Anglesey.
Jacqueline, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in September 2018, says she was inspired to take on the challenge to raise money for Parkinson’s UK, who have provided her with invaluable support through their services.
Parkinson’s UK is the leading charity driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s through cutting edge research, information, support and campaigning.
Jacqueline said:
“I wanted to raise money for Parkinson’s UK in order to take some positive steps to tackle Parkinson’s. I support Parkinson’s UK as I have found their service invaluable since my diagnosis. In my role working in social care as well as outside of work, I have met some
brilliant, brave and positive people with Parkinson’s and their amazing carers. This experience has helped me to understand the issues that face me now and in the future with my own diagnosis. Thanks to everyone that supported me to raise money.”
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure and it affects 148,000 people in the UK including 7,692 in Wales.
Parkinson’s UK estimate that there are more than 40 symptoms of the condition. As well as the most widely known symptom – tremor – these range from physical symptoms like muscle stiffness to depression, anxiety, hallucinations, memory problems and dementia, but Parkinson’s affects everyone differently.
Anne Rowe, Head of Regional Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said:
“Nobody should have to face Parkinson’s alone – or without hope that one day we’ll find better treatments and a cure.
“Now thanks to the money raised we’ll be able to support more people when they need us most and invest in research that will one day bring an end to the condition.
“We are so grateful for this support and want to say a huge thank you for taking part.”
There’s still time to sponsor Jacqueline by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/abseilforparkinsonsukjwhiteley
