Man takes on 50 challenges after dad’s Parkinsons

Luke Bakewell is raising money for Parkinsons UK after his dad Chris (L) was diagnosed with the disease

A man whose father is living with Parkinsons is taking on 50 challenges this year to raise money for charity.

Luke Bakewell, 37, from Keynsham, near Bristol, is hoping to complete 45 Parkruns, two half marathons, a triathlon, a Tough Mudder race and a Spartan test, which features a gruelling assault course.

His dad, Chris, was formally diagnosed with Parkinsons two years ago, but is believed to have had it for nearly 10 years.

Through taking part in the challenges, Mr Bakewell is raising money for Parkinsons UK, which helps thousands of people living with the disease.

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world affecting 153,000 people in the UK, Parkinsons UK said.

“I wanted to give myself a challenge and raise money and awareness for Parkinson's UK as my father has recently been diagnosed," Mr Bakewell said.

Luke Bakewell will push his three-year-old daughter, Sophie, in her pram while completing the Parkruns

Mr Bakewell's first event was a 5km Parkrun on 1 January and his last event will be a Parkrun on 28 December.

“I’ll also conquer two half marathons, a triathlon consisting of a 750m swim, a 20km bike ride, and 5km run, as well as the gruelling Tough Mudder race of 15km with 20 challenging obstacles," he said.

“Finally, I will face the Spartan test - a half marathon featuring an assault course of 30 obstacles."

'Devastates lives'

Mr Bakewell has so far raised £755 on his Just Giving page.

He will wear his Parkinsons UK t-shirt proudly at every Parkrun, and all the other events.

“I want to raise as much money as possible, so that I can contribute towards helping people to live better with the condition," he said.

Community fundraiser at Parkinson’s UK, Karen Safe, said: “We are so grateful to Luke for taking on this incredible series of challenges for Parkinson’s UK.

"With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough."