Dog walk 100 miles in May for Parkinson's NW

Thursdays are my “free day” It’s the day I usually catch up on admin, sort stock, and organise orders. But it’s also a day with special meaning, as it’s when I take my 85‑year‑old father to his Parkinson’s exercise class in Penwortham.

As many of you know, I walk my dog, Guess, every day. This got me thinking — why not turn those daily walks into something that could help others? So, throughout the month of May, I’ll be taking on a 100‑mile walking challenge (or 50 miles for children) and inviting other villagers with dogs to join in too, if they’d like.

To support this, I’ve put together a sponsorship form which can be collected from the shop. All funds raised will be personally delivered to the Parkinson’s North West Group at the end of May.

My father, Jack, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s around five years ago. For a long time, anxiety made him reluctant to leave the house, which sadly meant he became quite inactive and was getting very little exercise. This was especially hard to watch, as he had always been a highly capable and talented engineer. In fact, he didn’t retire until the age of 76 — and only after completing the full renovation of a full‑size steam engine.

Everything began to change after a New Year’s Eve get‑together with friends, when I was chatting with Elaine, who mentioned that she runs a small exercise class for people with Parkinson’s at Galloway’s. I immediately felt this would be perfect for my dad, so I encouraged him to attend. Since then, I’ve taken him along every Thursday.

The sessions have been incredibly beneficial. Not only is he exercising regularly again, but he also enjoys chatting with others and, perhaps most importantly, realising that he isn’t alone in living with Parkinson’s.

Over the years, Feather and Twigs has become a hub for people in and around the village. Many customers visit not just to buy gifts and cards, but also to share their stories — the challenges, the celebrations, and the everyday moments of life. Our building’s landlord also lives with Parkinson’s, which further strengthened my desire to help.

With charities like Parkinson’s UK facing ongoing challenges, this fundraising walk feels like a meaningful way to give something back and help support these vital exercise sessions, so they can continue for others who benefit from them.

If you have a family member living with Parkinson’s and would like additional support, I’d highly recommend exploring the local groups — they are a wonderful, welcoming community.

👉 Parkinson’s UK North West | Parkinson’s Local Support Finder

Thank you for reading, and for supporting this cause — whether by walking, donating, or simply spreading the word.