PARKINSON’S support group members from West Devon have raised more than £3,000 by challenging themselves to undertake their very own ‘personal marathons’.

People with Parkinson’s from the Tavistock support group were inspired to set their own challenges after local born runner Darren Evans decided to run the London Marathon (last Sunday) to raise funds for the group.

Darren ran under the banner ‘Your Marathon for Parkinson’s’ and encouraged people with Parkinson’s to mirror his training plan and get exercise which is beneficial to their health. On Sunday Darren was the fastest finisher out of Parkinson’s UK’s 220 runners after completing the marathon in 3 hours and 2 minutes.

Val Evans, Darren’s mum, and treasurer of the support group, said: ‘This money will be used to help people with Parkinson’s get the correct exercise for them because research shows that exercising for two and a half hours a week can slow the progression of Parkinson’s and that an exercise focused lifestyle can be as important as medication in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

‘Everyone’s challenge is unique to them and based on the type of exercise that will be beneficial to their health.’

At Tavistock’s Parkinson’s Support Group last Thursday (April 19) members, family, friends and physiotherapists proudly explained what their personal challenges had been to raise funds — varying from cycling to running and walking to jumping.

As symptoms for people with Parkinson’s include tremors, pain, slowness of movement and muscle cramps, any attempt at exercise would have been a personal triumph for members.

One man from the local group, Dave, who was unable to stand from sitting un-aided, managed 42 ‘sit to stands’ by himself, using the arms of the chairs; John, a former Royal Marine, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 11 years ago, cycled the marathon distance of 26.2 miles; Ruth Nevill, a volunteer of the Parkinson’s group, jumped 52,000 times on her trampoline in 13 hours over 13 weeks; supporter Paula ran the recent Tavy 13 in memory of Patrick raising £675; while Mark Hoar, who was diagnosed approximately 15 years ago, was walking his dog over many weeks to cover the marathon distance.

Darren congratulated everyone on the challenges they have faced and the progress that people had made: ‘I am so proud of the group and what they have achieved.’

Val added: ‘We have raised money to help people with Parkinson’s get the right exercise for them in the Tavistock area.

‘With exercise and the right guidance it makes the world of difference to their health and it is great for people with Parkinson’s to achieve a goal.’

For more information on the Tavistock Parkinson’s Support Group, call Val on 01822 613992 or email [email protected]