Forum for residents of St Georges Park and Long Leys Road Lincoln

[john shipton]

Parkinson's sufferer aims to raise 'megabucks'

Thursday, February 11, 2010, 06:30
LINCOLNSHIRE ECHO

A sufferer of Parkinson's disease from Lincoln has made a vow to raise £50,000 for research in to the condition.

Ian Clarkson, a 52-year-old building site manager, was first diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease nine years ago.

Now, Mr Clarkson has taken a vow to do all he can to raise money and awareness of the disease, before he is no longer able.

Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition, resulting from a loss of nerve cells, which affects movements such as walking, talking, and writing.

"While I'm still able, I want to make some megabucks," explained Mr Clarkson.

"In a few years time, people are going to have to help me perform day-to-day tasks. When that day comes, I want to be able to put my hand up and say I've done my bit to helping suffers of this disease.

"We're trying to raise £50,000, but I think if we got some more people involved, we could double that.

"I'm looking for people to, not just donate, but to get involved and start fundraisers of their own.

"Health wise, I'm struggling. But I promise that if anyone holds their own fundraiser, I'll be there at the beginning or the end to distribute literature."

Some of Mr Clarkson's fundraising activities already in the pipeline include a sponsored head shaving, people running the Lincoln 10k race, masquerade balls, and even a Calendar Girls-style calendar featuring couples from across Lincoln, scheduled to be released in April.

To be involved with Ian's Parkinson's disease campaign, call him on 07923 009498 to find out how you can get involved.