TAVISTOCK born Darren Evans, recently completed a sponsored cycle from his home in Switzerland to his birthplace.

Darren completed the 660 mile ride to raise money for Parkinson’s UK and awareness of the local Parkinson’s support group.

Darren has completed three other challenges to raise funds for his chosen charity, this cycle being the second event of the year.

In April he completed the London marathon in 2 hours 57 minutes and 10 seconds.

A welcome party following the cycle ride was held at the Anchorage Centre, which had opened especially for the occasion.

A live video was shown of Darren arriving in Tavistock on Princetown Road and taking a detour to cycle past his parents’ home in Parkwood Road before continuing onto the finish line.

Darren left his home in Dudingen, Switzerland and travelled through Switzerland and France before taking a ferry to Portsmouth and then cycling the last leg of his journey through England.

Mark Hoar, the local volunteer ambassador for Parkinson’s UK welcomed Darren to Tavistock and thanked him for his efforts on behalf of Parkinson’s UK.

The party was organised by members of Tavistock’s Parkinson’s Support Group and TASS volunteers, who provided a delicious buffet.

Darren said: ‘My father has had Parkinson’s for getting on for 30 years now and my mother works as a volunteer educator for Parkinson’s UK.

‘I have seen firsthand and am acutely aware of the negative impacts that this often misunderstood condition can have on people’s lives, both the sufferers and carers and I wanted to help.

‘There was a crowd of about 100 people waiting to greet me, which is an absolutely amazing turnout. I didn’t quite know what to do at first, I was quite taken aback. The cycle ride went very well, it’s great that I can raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s UK though my running and cycling.’

If you would like to sponsor Darren or read the details of his adventure please visit his website https://switzerlandtoengland.wordpress.com/

To find out more about the Tavistock Parkinson’s Support group please visit www.parkinsons.org.uk