02/12/2015 

On Sunday we completed our challenge of swimming for 2 kilometers. There was a bit of competition between us: I completed the swim in 1 hour 10 minutes and my daughter Katie beat me by 5 minutes completing it in 1 hour 5 minutes.

We were both aching a bit the next morning but raising money for such a worthwhile cause made it all worthwhile.

A massive thank you to all our family and friends that have very kindly supported us in raising money to help people with Parkinson’s.

Pat & Katie Wharton

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02/11/2015 

On Sunday 25 October, I was ready to complete my Parkinson’s 100 Challenge, a 100K reliability trial bike ride organised by the Kent Cycling Organisation. I was completing the ride with fellow members of Medway Velo Cycling Club.

Reliability trials are historic events dating back to the early 20th century when cycling equipment was less reliable and roads were poorly sign-posted. The objective is for riders to be self-sufficient and able to navigate a route in a predefined time. Reliability trials generally take place during the winter months and are great fun, social events as well as a way to retain fitness.

The reliability trial is an interclub competitive event. Each club member receives points for completing the course in a specified time. The club with the greatest number of points wins. Whilst it is a competitive event, it's an event that encourages group participation and generally the club with the most entrants wins.

In times gone by riders didn’t have the benefit of GPS and puncture resistant tyres, yet riders today still get lost and miss the finishing time due to flat tyres and mechanical failures!

The objective was to complete the 100k ride within the 5 hour time limit. I set off with my fellow club mates at 9am from the layby just outside Ashford with the weather a cold and damp 5°C. The trial was completed in 4 hours 25 minutes including a stop for a team mate’s puncture repair and a regrouping after some of the group took a slight detour!   

My part of the Wharton’s challenge completed, now it is down to Pat and Katie to finish it off with the swim.

Many thanks to all who have sponsored us!

Nigel Wharton

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22/10/2015

Well here we are - Mother and Daughter - in training and as you can see from the expressions on our faces, we are finding it tough to get back into the swing of exercise to meet our challenge.  But the cause is well worth the effort. The BIG day is Sunday 29th November. 

Hubby and Father is off on his challenge on Sunday 25th October, and he has been busy cycling every week to get into shape - and he is in much better shape than us!

We are hoping that many of our friends, family and colleagues will get behind us with not only funds for people with Parkinson's and their families but also with their moral support and messages of good luck. Thank you all for supporting us and Parkinson's disease!

We will let you know how we all get on and more pictures will be coming.

Sincere thanks to all our supporters,

The Whartons

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16/09/2015

Pat: Well my training has begun and I am getting myself organised for my challenge to swim 2km's. 

I thought it best to try to be glamorous so I have ordered 3 new swimsuits especially for the occasion. Last Monday I finally joined the local gym and on Thursday went for my first swim and it was very hard work, having not swum regularly for nearly 4 years.

I swam continuously for 30 minutes, and am planning to do this two or three times a week, gradually increasing my time and (hopefully distance) to 1 hour or 80 lengths.

Initially I had planned to do my challenge in October but because I am hugely unfit I need the extra time :) But I really wanted to support Parkinson's Europe and people with Parkinson's, having worked with Parkinson's Europe for over 3 years. I thought the pain was worth it.

Katie: I have also started my training by joining the gym with Pat, my Mum.  Swimming has not begun but I have been very, very active in the gym building up my strength so that I can really compete against my Mum who was my swimming instructor as a child.  So it is time that the youngster beats the adult. Competition is rife in our family and I have every intention of proving that youth can outdo maturity :)

Nigel: I am an avid cyclist and have been riding seriously with a local cycling club, for years. I can usually be found every weekend cycling around the Kent countryside - known as the Garden of England. I will undertake my challenge in November - solidarity of the family.

Having worked with Parkinson's Europe since 2002 I jumped at the opportunity (with a push from Pat my wife) to take part in this challenge. Anything that can raise awareness  and funds for people with Parkinson's is well worth it, in my opinion.  Being so active I can empathise with people who no longer can do what I do.

We as a family, would really like to raise as much as possible for Parkinson's Europe - so if you would like to boost our donations please do. Your support of us all and what we are trying to do, is much appreciated. So Thank you!

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