100 mile walkies!

Why a sponsored walk is more than just raising money

Walking 100km for Parkinson’s: Why This Challenge Matters beyond raising money.

This April, I’ll be walking 100 kilometers with my dog, Charlie, to raise money for Cure Parkinson’s. But this isn’t just about distance. It’s about determination, awareness, and pushing forward—no matter the obstacles. Parkinson’s is a relentless disease, but so are we.

1. Awareness: Making Parkinson’s Visible

Parkinson’s is often misunderstood. Many people think it’s just about tremors, but it’s so much more—fatigue, stiffness, freezing, and mental health challenges, to name a few. By taking on this challenge, I hope to spark conversations and help people understand what living with Parkinson’s really means. Every step is a chance to educate and shift perceptions.

2. Determination: Proving Parkinson’s Doesn’t Define Me

100km over a month (3k ish a day) sounds easy. It isn’t easy for me. Some days, Parkinson’s makes movement harder. But that’s exactly why this matters. I want to show that Parkinson’s doesn’t get to dictate the terms of my life. There will be tough days, but pushing through them is part of the fight. Every step is a reminder that I’m still moving, still strong, and still in control of my own journey.

3. Showing My Kids How to Fight

I want my kids to see that when life throws challenges our way, we don’t back down—we keep going. They need to know that resilience isn’t about never struggling; it’s about showing up, doing hard things, and refusing to quit. This walk is about proving to them (and to myself) that we can take on challenges head-on, even when they seem daunting.

4. Community & Connection

This isn’t just a solo effort—it’s a movement. Whether it’s through donations, messages of support, or even people joining for part of the walk, this challenge is about bringing people together. Parkinson’s can feel isolating, but this walk is proof that no one has to fight alone.

5. Advocacy & Hope

I want to challenge the idea that Parkinson’s is only about decline. Yes, it’s a progressive disease, but we are still capable, still strong, and still pushing forward. This challenge is about proving that movement is power, and that we are still fighting for better treatments, better understanding, and ultimately, a cure.

6. Breaking the Stigma

Too often, Parkinson’s is hidden from public view. People hesitate to talk about it, and those living with it sometimes feel pressure to withdraw. By taking this challenge head-on, I hope to change the conversation and show that Parkinson’s isn’t something to hide—it’s something to fight.

7. Proving That Parkinson’s Doesn’t Define Me

This is bigger than just walking 100km. It’s about pushing back against the limits Parkinson’s tries to impose. Some days will be tough, but each step is proof that I am more than this disease. I can keep moving forward—one step, one day, one challenge at a time.

8. Finally yes. Raising Money for a Cure

Research is making progress, but we still don’t have a cure for Parkinson’s. That’s why fundraising is crucial. Every pound raised for Cure Parkinson’s brings us closer to treatments that slow, stop, or even reverse the disease. This isn’t just about me—it’s about everyone fighting this condition today and those who will be diagnosed in the future.

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How You Can Help

1. Donate – Every contribution to Cure Parkinson’s helps fund groundbreaking research. Genuinely however small-it all helps massively. Sorry if you have already!

https://www.justgiving.com/page/matt-ross-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

2. Spread the word – Share this challenge, talk about Parkinson’s, and help raise awareness.

3. Join me – Whether in person or virtually, walk a few steps, a few kilometers, or just cheer me on from wherever you are.

I’m walking for myself. I’m walking for my kids. I’m walking for the millions of people with Parkinson’s who deserve better treatments and a cure.

Let’s do this—together.

#Parkinsons #CureParkinsons #100kmChallenge #KeepMoving