A world first will take place in Kent next week, when the Chairman of Parkinson’s UK becomes the first person living with the condition to take part in the world’s hardest triathlon.
Gary Shaughnessy, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015, is setting out to conquer the Arch to Arc challenge; an epic 290 mile run, row and cycle from London to Paris.
Only 46 athletes have ever completed the Arch to Arc, from Marble Arch in London to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The Parkinson’s UK Chairman is the first person living with Parkinson’s to take part.
On Wednesday 22nd June, Gary will set off from Marble Arch, running through the capital and down into Kent, on a route linking towns such as Gillingham, Faversham and Canterbury.
At Faversham, Gary will call in at Ospringe Primary School to meet the children and tell them about his challenge and Parkinson’s.
En route, Gary will be joined for a few miles at a time by a relay of friends and supporters, including Steve Wolfe, the Group Chairman of KSN Media.
Steve will be bringing up his own milestone on Wednesday as he completes his 2000th consecutive day of running as he looks to run the entire distance of the World – all 40,075km without a day off!
After the 83 mile run, Gary will row 21 miles across the English Channel, and then cycle 186 miles to Paris when he lands in France.
Gary is no stranger to epic challenges. His last adventure was breaking the world record for the longest three-legged race. That world record inspired Gary’s latest challenge.
Looking ahead to the start of Arch to Arc on Wednesday, Gary said: “I needed to find something bigger and better this year, and someone suggested Arch to Arc. I partially do it to keep myself fit and exercising makes a real difference. But partially I want to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s, particularly awareness because a lot of people assume being diagnosed is the end of your life.”
“In my experience – although there are a lot of things that aren’t good about Parkinson’s – I’ve been very lucky. I’ve had seven-and-a-half years of meeting inspirational people and learning a lot about myself.”
What Gary has learnt is truly inspirational, which has been captured in six powerful words; “Live life, love life, stop Parkinson’s”.
Gary, who lives in Tadley in Hampshire, said: “That’s the whole message. Just because you have Parkinson’s it doesn’t stop you living your life and getting on with things.”
Parkinson’s is now the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.
There are 145,000 people in the UK living with Parkinson’s. In the South East, there are 21,200 people with Parkinson’s. That’s the highest figure within the UK. Every hour, 2 more people in the UK are diagnosed.
Gary is a famous figure in Business and Sport, as well as leading Parkinson’s UK. Before he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Gary was the CEO of Zurich Insurance. Today he is the Chairman of England Athletics, and the Z Zurich Foundation. Now his fame is about to extend to being the first person ever to complete the Arch to Arc challenge whilst living with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s is what happens when the brain cells that make dopamine start to die. There are more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to insomnia and anxiety. Some are treatable, but thedrugs can have serious side effects. It gets worse over time and there’s no cure. Yet.
All the money raised will go towards vital research into finding a cure for Parkinson’s. As yet, there is no cure for people like Gary.
For more details about how you can join Gary with part of the running leg on Wednesday 22nd June and to donate to Gary’s fundraising challenge visit:
https://www.garyschallenges.com
https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/gary-shaughnessys-2022-challenges