Mangar International’s Stephanie Streat, together with her husband Martin, recently completed the Bala Lake Ramble to raise funds for research into Parkinson’s disease. Out of the four walks they could have chosen to do, Stephanie opted for the 8 mile walk as this was the most realistic option for her to complete. “It was a much harder course than we had imagined but so scenic and we were completely elated when we achieved it, it was a fantastic day” explained Stephanie upon completion of the walk, “It is not a huge challenge for fit people I know, but it was quite an effort for me”.
They expected the walk to take between three to four hours and they completed it in four and a half hours, arriving with just enough time to catch the gauge railway train taking them around the lake back to where they started from. “Our walk was uphill for the first three miles which was very challenging but the views across the lake to the hills and mountains of Snowdonia were amazing and kept us going” said Stephanie. “We really wanted to raise the funds for Parkinson’s UK, a cause now very close to our hearts”.
In particular, Stephanie wanted to raise money for the specialist nurses that are funded by Parkinson’s UK, unfortunately, not all areas have one. “We are very lucky in Powys to have Jane Price, the Specialist Nurse that I visit. Parkinson’s disease manifests itself very differently in each person and patients need to be viewed holistically. A specialist nurse is expert in offering coping mechanisms as well as prescribing drug regimes and monitoring patients closely, both physically and mentally” said Stephanie. “From the time of original diagnosis, their encouragement and support is vital to the wellbeing of their patients. As a society, Parkinson’s UK is working towards every area having a specialist nurse and being so lucky to have Jane, I felt that I should make an effort for others to have the same benefit and support I do”.
Parkinson’s UK is leading the work to find a cure for this condition and it is also campaigning to change attitudes and demand better services. The charity brings people with Parkinson’s, their carers and families together via a network of local groups, the website and confidential helpline.
For further information about Parkinson’s disease, please visit www.parkinsons.org.uk
If you would like to make a donation to this excellent cause please contact Stephanie Streat by email sstreat@mangar.co.uk