A TAVISTOCK man will raising funds for the local Parkinson's UK support group when he cycles from John O' Groats to Land's End next month.
Dr Darren Evans was born in Tavistock and attended the town comprehensive school before studying for a masters degree in Marine Science and a PhD at the universities of Plymouth and Loughborough.
Darren, whose father has Parkinson's, is raising funds to support the new Parkinson's UK group which meets at the Anchorage Centre in Tavistock, on the last Tuesday of every month.
Darren said: 'I am currently living in Düdingen, Switzerland with my wife and two sons —17 months and 17 years old.
'My background is in long distance triathlons, in particular half ironman distance races.
'I enjoy taking part in triathlons, duathlons, running and cycling races.
'Most of my races have been in Switzerland, but I have also taken part in races in Hawaii, France, Germany and Belgium in the last couple of years.
'On July 24 I will take part in Ironman 70.3 in Antwerp.
'I have never raised money for a charity before. Cycling from John O' Groats to Land's End seems like a good way to start!
'My father has Parkinson's, so what better charity could I choose than the new Parkinson's UK support group in Tavistock?'
Darren is funding the entire trip himself so all the money raised will go to Tavistock's Parkinson's UK support group.
He will to set off from John O' Groats on May 28 and aims to complete the journey within eight days.
To find out more about the group visit http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/southwest">www.parkinsons.org.uk/southwest
To sponsor Darren's cycle ride visit http://www.darrensport.wordpress.com">www.darrensport.wordpress.com
For information and support call the Parkinson's UK free confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303 or visit parkinsons.org.uk