Mum's Parkinson's campaign goes global

Buy photos» On your bike - Ian Moseley, from the Green Bike Company, and Becky Hurd are urging people to join in the fun at next weekend's charity bike ride. Picture by Nick Hands 3211044NHR.

Tim Clarke

11 August. Updated: 11 August 14:30

A WORCESTER mum's relentless campaign to raise awareness and vital funds to find a cure for Parkinson's Disease is going global. Becky Hurd, 35, is marking the sixth anniversary of her diagnosis with the neurological disease by organising two fund-raising events, starting with a charity bike ride.
They are being organised ahead of the launch of an international photography exhibition in Los Angeles, which will mark the start of Mrs Hurd's global bid to raise awareness of Parkinson's Disease.
The Illuminate Photography Exhibition will be launched in early September at PopTART gallery in LA. It features photographs of people with Parkinson’s as well as celebrity supporters and is expected to take in six continents over the course of a two year tour. Mrs Hurd has set herself the target of raising of £100,000 for The Cure Parkinson's Trust through the Illuminate campaign. The mum of one has already raised nearly £60,000 through various fund-raising events and is now urging people to join in a Charity Bicycle Ride in conjunction with The Green Bike Company on Sunday, August 21.
The race will start at the company's shop on Bromyard Road at 11am and will cover 30 miles of countryside around Broadheath, including two refreshment breaks.
Mrs Hurd said she wanted to mark the anniversary of her diagnosis by showing people that having Parkinson's doesn't mean life grinds to a halt.
"If anything mine has sped up," she said.
"My focus is not only on raising the funds but also on raising awareness of the condition, making people realise that anyone can be affected at any time. My hope is that my charity work will inspire others to help raise the profile of conditions like Parkinson’s, MS and Alzheimer’s." Tickets for the cycle ride cost £5 per adult, which includes one child.
Additional children can participate at a cost of £2 per child. All under 16s should be accompanied by an adult. To register contact Becky at becky.hurd@illuminateparkinsons.org.uk or just turn up on the day.