TAKING on two challenges to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson's UK is former resident of Tavistock Darren Evans.

In October last year Darren's mother, Val Evans from Tavistock, completed a 8.68km speed walk in Switzerland for Parkinson's UK — and this year Darren wants to do his bit for the charity and is tackling a 'double challenge'.

The first part of the double challenge was the London Marathon which Darren completed in 2 hours 57 minutes 10 seconds. And the second part will be in August when he will cycle from his current home in Dudingen Switzerland to Tavistock — his birthplace and childhood home.

He will leave on Sunday, August 2 and arrive in Tavistock on Sunday, August 9 where a reception party will be held at the Anchorage Centre next to Tavistock Bus Station with all proceeds going to Parkinson's UK.

Darren said: 'My father has battled with Parkinson's for nearly 30 years and my mother is his carer and a volunteer educator for Parkinson's UK. I have seen first-hand the negative impact Parkinson's can have and want to do something to help.'

Darren is inviting people to join him on the cycle for a short section of the ride and had four possibilities, ranging in distance from six miles to nine miles.

'I will fully adapt my speed to that of the group so that anyone who can ride a bike and would like to take part should be able to,' he said.

Darren is funding the trip himself, so that all money raised will go to Parkinson's UK. Full details are available at http://switzerlandtoengland.wordpress.com">http://switzerlandtoengland.wordpress.com