Two men on a mission to raise awareness for Parkinsons

They have cycled the length of Ireland

Raising money for Parkinson's UK
Author: Lana WildashPublished 13th Aug 2023
Last updated 13th Aug 2023

A 50 year old man from West Sussex along with his friend, tasked themselves last month, with cycling 490 miles; a challenge the length of Ireland.

Both Matthew Cotrell and Julian's mothers were both diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and they cycled for the charity Parkinson's UK.

“We had to ride 490 miles and having done it we checked and we had actually climbed around 8000 metres during the ride which is almost the height of Everest. To be honest it was very painful “

So far, they have raised eight thousand pounds for the charity taking on the challenge from Mizen Head to Malin Head last month.

Matthew, who lives in Linchmere, says raising vital funds for charity was worth the pain:

“We raised over £8000 primarily it will be for research into the disease. Parkinsons UK is the biggest research organisation in Europe. So, it will be terribly valuable to try and find help to conquer this terrible disease.”

Matthew said that his biggest supporter was his wife who dove behind them in a support car the whole journey.

“She would drive along and hand out Haribo’s through the car window to keep us going”

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