We are constantly inspired by the ‘yes, we can’ attitude of the Parkinson’s community.
To mark 10 years of Parkinson’s Life we shine a spotlight on some of the most inspiring (and exhausting) sporting challenges taken on by people with Parkinson’s or as fundraisers for vital Parkinson’s research and support. You’re all champions!
Incredible sporting challenges by people with Parkinson’s
Dr Franco Fiasella on the road to Santiago
In 2015, Parkinson’s Life spoke to Dr Franco Fiasella – a specialist in respiratory diseases – about his soul-searching pilgrimage from Tuscany in Italy to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Embarking on the 800km walk, alone, just weeks after his Parkinson’s diagnosis, he tackled hilly terrain and long stretches of flat roads, sometimes walking more than 30km a day.
As well as being a tremendous physical challenge, Dr Franco discovered a lot about himself. “It was a beautiful and unique journey, made even stronger by the soul-searching. However, it would not have happened if I hadn’t been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,” he reflected. “The diagnosis inspired me to push myself further than I have even been before. By tackling my personal challenge head-on, I achieved a level of peace and spirituality I never thought possible.”
American Ninja Warrior Allison Toepperwein
Allison Toepperwein is a powerhouse. After a young-onset Parkinson’s diagnosis at 37, she decided to transform her life by throwing herself into an exercise regime. From walking to jogging to sprinting and weights, Allison discovered a long-forgotten love for serious training.
In 2016 she faced the ultimate physical challenge when she starred as a contestant on American Ninja Warrior. She loved it so much, Allison even returned the following year.
“The benefits of regular exercise far outweigh the apathy and depression that can take hold without it,” Allisson told Parkinson’s Life ahead of her first appearance on the show. “I mean, you don’t have to apply for ‘American Ninja Warrior’! Just a few minutes of exercise each day works wonders.”
Taking part in the 2017 London Marathon
Parkinson’s supporters came out in force for the 2017 London Marathon. Some 235 runners ran the gruelling 26.2-mile race, fundraising for Parkinson’s UK, and together they raised an incredible total of £321,000.
Comedian Rob Deering and Men’s Fitness magazine editor, Joe Warner, were among those running for Parkinson’s UK, and all those who took part in support of the charity were invited to a special reception as a thanks for their amazing fundraising efforts. Great work!
Rob Deering and Joe Warner’s story
Alison Croughton swims the English Channel
“I always think it’s good to do things completely out of your comfort zone,” explained Alison Croughton when talking to Parkinson’s Life in 2018. She certainly pushed herself to the max, and well out of her comfort zone, when she decided to swim the English Channel – without a wetsuit – to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.
Alison wanted to support the charity after her mum was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014. Impressed and reassured by the support she received from Parkinson’s UK, she wanted to give something back.
After months of training, she set off at 2am from a beach near Dover, and arrived in Cap Gris-Nez, France, just under 15 hours later. The mammoth swim helped to raise £3,000 for Parkinson’s UK.
Robin Buttery rows across the Indian Ocean
In summer 2018, Robin Buttery made history as the first person with Parkinson’s to row 3,600 miles across the Indian Ocean. As part of a four-man crew, he took to the water for 71 days at sea, pushing his body to the max. Dealing with cramp, intense fatigue, sea sickness and bad weather, along with his Parkinson’s symptoms, it was a huge challenge for Robin – who’d spent the past 18 months training for the row.
However, the adventure was also packed with unforgettable moments, with whales, sunsets, shooting stars and moonbows his absolute highlights. While the crew narrowly missed out on beating the current record of 68 days, the row raised nearly £40,000 for Parkinson’s charities. An incredible achievement.
Alison Anderson and ‘The Cyclopaths’
Alison Anderson hadn’t ridden a bike for almost 10 years when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 46 years old. But that didn’t stop her from embarking on a punishing cycle through Vietnam and Cambodia, along with her fundraising team ‘The Cyclopaths’ in 2017. After raising £42,000 for Parkinson’s, she decided to take things a step further, with an epic 1,000-mile cycle challenge across the UK.
In 2018, ‘The Cyclopaths’ rode from Land’s End to John O’Groats, climbing over 55,000 feet along the route. When times were hard, Alison leant on her fellow ‘Cyclopaths’. Speaking to Parkinson’s Life, she said: “There was always someone to support you and get you through the tough times. I could never have done this without the team.” After raising £10,000 for Parkinson’s, the cyclists already have their sights set on yet another bike ride challenge.
Bill Bucklew walks across the USA
Bill Bucklew loves a challenge. Since his diagnosis in 2021 he’s thrown himself into campaigning and taking on numerous physical feats to raise money for Parkinson’s. We spoke to Bill in 2019, to reflect on seven years of adventures including walking 2,500 miles across the US, climbing Kilimanjaro and completing an Ironman triathlon.
In November 2017 he set off on a 2,500-mile journey, on foot, across the USA. Starting in Ivy Island, Georgia, the day after Thanksgiving, he walked for 67 days to San Diego – going through 26 pairs of shoes and losing 37 pounds in the process. The walk raised a massive USD110,000 for the Michael J Fox Foundation and led to Bill being invited by TED Talks to speak about his experience.
Liz Dennett Atlantic Ocean rowing attempt
Sometimes life doesn’t work out as planned, which Liz Dennett discovered in 2020 when she attempted to row 3,200 miles across the Atlantic. After months of intense training, it was never-ending seasickness that prevented her from completing her Lanzarote to Antigua row. Due to constant sickness, Liz was unable to keep any food or even her Parkinson’s medication down. Two weeks in, after losing a lot of weight and noticing her Parkinson’s more than ever, fate intervened when the rudder broke, and the crew had to call for rescue.
While the rest of the crew were able to carry on once the boat was fixed, Liz was so ill she had to go home. Speaking to Parkinson’s Life she reflected: “It’s not always about getting what you want – it’s about dealing with not getting what you want, and I think that’s an important lesson.” We think she’s an inspiration.
Bertrand Delhom sails around the world
Sailing has always been a passion of Bertrand Delhom, so, after his Parkinson’s diagnosis at age 57, the Frenchman was determined to carry on enjoying being on the water. In 2024 he secured his place in the history books as the first person with Parkinson’s to sail around the world. Alongside his crewmates, The Neptune completed the Ocean Globe Race – a 27,000-mile sprint around the world.
Bertrand wanted to change the way many people see Parkinson’s. “In the general public’s eyes, Parkinson’s is an old person’s disease,” he told Parkinson’s Life. “No, Parkinson’s is not that! Parkinson’s is a disease that touches people that are working, and it even touches children – it impacts everyone.” Through his epic awareness-raising journey, Bertrand has shown that those living with Parkinson’s can enjoy a fulfilling life.
Triathlete Olivier Deharynck’s sporting success
As a sports coach and triathlete, exercise has always been part of Olivier Deharynck’s life. Despite receiving his Parkinson’s diagnosis at 49, he was determined to keep active, although he has learnt to manage his expectations.
Talking to Parkinson’s Life in 2024, Olivier said: “Now, if I finish my triathlon, it’s an achievement in itself. I push and outdo myself of course, but I no longer have timed objectives. If and when I have to give up, which happens, well, I give up. Onto the next!”
In 2024 alone Olivier has cycled 1,600km on a velomobile (a three-wheeled recumbent bicycle) over 10 days. He also completed a 108km Nordic walk in Belgium in just 24 hours. And Olivier isn’t finished yet – with plans for a tricycle trip and pedal-drive kayaking tour, as well as a “cheeky triathlon”, he’s raising awareness of Parkinson’s one sporting challenge at a time.
