Friends cycle UK length for parents with Parkinson's

Dave Cole (right) said the "biggest challenge" along the way was "in the mind"

Two friends who cycled the length of the UK for a Parkinson's charity say the biggest challenge was "in the mind".

Dave Cole and Clive Staines, from Bristol, pedalled about 1,000 miles (1600km) between Land’s End to John O’Groats in 10 days.

The duo took on the challenge unsupported, carrying their equipment all the way, and raised £8,000 for Parkinson's UK.

"We both have family members living with Parkinson’s and have experienced first-hand the terrible impact it can have on lives," Mr Cole said.

"My mum was diagnosed well over ten years ago and Clive’s father-in-law more recently," he said.

"It seems most people we talk to have a loved one or know someone who has been badly affected by it."

He said there were a number of challenges before and during the trip.

"Firstly, fitting in the training time, secondly the attritional nature of riding on average 100 miles a day for 10 days with lots of climbing, weather warnings and potholes," Mr Cole said.

"The third and biggest challenge was all in the mind."

He said they are "proud" to have raised money for Parkinson's UK and have been "humbled by everyone’s generosity".

'An incredible challenge'

Parkinson’s UK community fundraiser Karen Safe said: “We are so grateful to Dave and Clive for taking on and conquering this incredible challenge.

"We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough.

“We hope that Dave and Clive’s fundraising inspires you to get involved with Parkinson’s UK."

Parkinson's affects nearly 10 million people worldwide and more than 150,000 in the UK.

Many are diagnosed having already developed symptoms, such as tremors, movement and memory problems - caused by nerve cells dying in the part of the brain that controls movement.

There is no cure, and no treatment to slow or stop the disease, although therapies exist to help manage symptoms.