On Sunday 5 September, Peter Burns and Vicky Knight along with ten other swimmers, three of whom are living with Parkinson’s, took on the huge challenge of swimming 5km across the Solent from Gosport on the Hampshire coast to Ryde on the Isle of Wight, raising an amazing £38,000 for research into a cure for Parkinson’s.
Having postponed the challenge in August due to adverse weather conditions and resulting safety concerns, the Positively Parkinson’s swimmers breathed a sigh of relief as the sun shone over the south coast on Sunday and they gathered at Fort Gilkicker in Gosport to begin their swim.
Divided into three groups of four swimmers, they were given staggered start times with the aim of coming together to form a diamond while swimming through one of the nation’s busiest shipping lanes. The team were accompanied by support kayaks to ensure the swimmers’ safety while crossing.
The big day was certainly worth the wait and the team did fantastically well, all completing the 5km distance, with some finishing in just one hour twenty-five minutes – well done team!
Here are a few words from Peter and Vicky…
We are thrilled to announce that The Big Splash for Parkinson’s challenge has now raised over £39,000! Everyone at the charity would like to say a huge thank you to the Positively Parkinson’s team; we have been blown away by your determination to raise funds and awareness of our research. You are all an inspiration.
The good news doesn’t end here! If you’re also a swimming enthusiast, you too can get involved with The Big Splash for Parkinson’s and join this fantastic community of swimmers. Simply head to your local swimming pool or open water facility and create your own distance to conquer. You can find out more how to get involved below.
