I am a 41 year old from St Blazey and I unfortunately have the misfortune to suffer from Parkinsons having been diagnosed in 2007 at the age of 38. Since being diagnosed, it led to me only thinking about trying to keep the life that I have and not thinking about taking on anything new. However, now it's time for a challenge. I am going to Peru to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
The trek will be an experience of a lifetime due to the trail's striking beauty, ancient Inca ruins and diverse ecological zones. It ends at Machu Picchu which is the lost city of the Incas, one of the world's most fascinating and important archaeological finds.
I am taking part in the trek on 14 May 2011 on behalf of Parkinsons UK. They provide information, support, specialist nurses and fund research for Parkinsons. The trek involves four days of trekking at altitudes up to 4200m for up to 10 hours per day. Initially we fly to Cusco at an altitude of 3400m for two days of acclimatisation before starting the trek.
My Parkinsons affects my right side. I have lost some of the dexterity in my hand as well as some strength in my arm. I also sometimes drag my heel when I walk. It also disrupts my sleeping. When I started training last year I didn't know if I had the stamina for the trek and being an asthmatic as well the altitude might be very difficult for me. Achieving the recommended standards of fitness has been a challenge but has gone well. I started training last May building up gradually. I have trained with regular walking, cycling and running. I have recently been doing weekly coastal walks of up to 18 miles carrying a pack of similar weight to the one I will carry on the trek. I have built into my routine regular walking or cycling to work to increase my fitness. I have lost a stone in weight and it has helped my sleeping.
This is a chance for me to contribute to Parkinsons UK who has supported me since my diagnosis. My target is to raise £6000. So far I have raised £4500 with a combination of sponsorship and events such as quizzes, raffles, cake sales, car boot sales, Ebay auctions and coffee mornings.
If you would like to support me or would like to see some more information I have a website at www.justgiving.com/Jon-Best. This website also has the facility to take donations and pass them straight to Parkinsons UK.
Thank you.
