Pub walk in father's memory

A son is organising a pub-to-pub walk to raise money for Parkinson’s UK after being inspired by his father.

Mr Bob Ratcliffe, of Ridgeway, Farnsfield, is appealing for people to take part in the 71/2-mile walk on Saturday, March 12.

It will start at the Full Moon, Morton, before visiting The Hearty Goodfellow and The Wheatsheaf in Southwell, The Old Reindeer, Edingley, and finishing at The Plough, Farnsfield.

Mr Ratcliffe said: “It is going to be a great day, starting off with bacon cobs and coffee at The Full Moon.

“I hope this event will help to raise awareness for Parkinson’s UK and the great work they do.

“My dad had Parkinson’s for many years and when he died in July 2010, he donated his brain and spinal column to Parkinson’s research.

“After dad passed away I thought it would be good to do something local to raise awareness.”

Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological condition and there is no cure.

Parkinson’s UK provides support and research into the condition and aims to find a cure and improve life for sufferers.

Jessica Storer, regional fundraiser in the East Midlands for Parkinson’s UK, said the charity was totally dependent on donations.

She said: “One person in every 500 has Parkinson’s. That is about 120,000 people in the UK and around 2,121 people in Nottinghamshire.

“Most people who get Parkinson’s are aged 50 or over, but younger people can get it too.”

The walk will take place on Saturday, March 12, meeting at 10.30am at The Full Moon.

Entry is £25 per person, which includes a contribution of £10 to Parkinson’s UK and covers refreshments en route.

All money raised will go to the Nottinghamshire Younger Person’s Parkinson’s Support Group.

It is the second fundraiser organised by Parkinson’s UK by Mr Ratcliffe.

In 2009 he completed the Great North Run with his wife, Mrs Jane Ratcliffe.

For more information and to enter contact Mr Ratcliffe on 07887 707496 or bobratcliffe@btinternet.com