Dad and son cycle 700 miles in memory of father for Parkinson’s UK

Andy and Calum Leighton, aged 43 and 13, donned their cycling shoes and shorts to take part in the John Leighton End to End to raise funds for Parkinson's UK.

Andy and Calum cycled 700 miles last month from their home in Aston Ingham, Herefordshire, to John O’Groats in memory of John Leighton, Andy’s dad. John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 15 years ago and sadly passed away on Christmas Day 2016. He would have been 78 in January this year.

When asked why he and his son decided to do the cycle, Andy explained:

“As well as being an avid cricketer, co-founding Aston Ingham Cricket Club in 1976 and going on to become Chairman and President of the club, my dad was a keen cyclist and often talked about cycling from Land's End to John O’Groats, but never quite got around to organising it.

“We did however cycle from Land's End to our home in Aston Ingham when I was 14 years old. I therefore decided to complete the journey in his memory with my son Calum, and to raise money for Parkinson's UK.

“The Parkinson's UK Hereford and District Branch provided invaluable support to both my dad and mum over many years, helping them deal with the impact of Parkinson's on everyday life. After being diagnosed with Parkinson's my dad continued to enjoy many cycle trips with my mum on their tandem bike.

“Mine and Calum’s cycle was very much a family affair, with my daughter, brothers, mum and wife joining us at various stages on the way, completing the family reunion in John O’Groats.”

Paul Jackson-Clark, Director of Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said: “I’d like to say a big thank you and congratulations to Andrew and Calum. I hope their story will inspire others to sign up for one of our other fundraising events that happen throughout the year.

“As the UK’s Parkinson’s support and research charity we’re leading the work to find a cure, and we’re closer than ever. But our work is dependent on donations such as this.”

Andrew, Calum and the Leighton family have raised over £4,000 for Parkinson’s UK and donations are still coming in.

It’s not too late to sponsor Andrew and Calum. Visit their Just Giving page at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/johnleightonendtoend

For further information on events taking place in the local area visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/events or email fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk