This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 29th, 2014at 10:12 am by zoe.leahy@activenation.org.uk

David’s 100km Challenge To Help Parkinson’s UK

An Active Nation Supporter has been inspired to take up a challenge to complete over 100km by cycling, running, swimming and doing obstacle courses by the end of the year – all in aid of Parkinson’s UK.

David Smith, 26, decided to help the charity after a family friend was diagnosed with the disease – and decided that getting active was the best way to do it!

David, who is due to start a Sports Therapy, Health and Fitness degree in September, has already completed the Lincoln 10k and a 5km swim at Active Nation’s Yarborough Leisure Centre in the city.

His next challenge is to complete a 56km bike ride to Woodhall Spa and back with his brother in August, followed by the 16km obstacle course the Dash of the Titan in September, the 10km Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest obstacle course in October, the 10km Spooky Sprint run in Nottingham in November and the Lincoln 3.5km Santa Run in December.

David said: “About 13 years ago Ian Clarkson, a close family friend was diagnosed with the disease. The thing that really inspired me to help raise money was when I read his story on the Parkinson’s website a couple of years ago about the impact it has had on him and his family. Although I was aware he had the disease I did not realise how much it affected sufferers.

“Last year I ran the Lincoln 10k to raise money for the charity but this year I wanted to do more to try and help raise money and awareness – so I figured I needed more of a challenge to make people notice what I was doing, which resulted in the idea for 100km.”

David also took part in the Parkinson’s flash mob on Lincoln High Street in April.

He added: “I have always enjoyed swimming and started quite young, completing my 1000m badge when I was 6, but over the last few years I have not swam as much as I used to.

“To prepare I have been training with Stephen Noble, the personal trainer that works at Yarborough Leisure Centre, who offered his services to help me get ready for all the events. He is giving me different programs tailored to each of the different events I am doing.”

David is now on a mission to raise awareness of the disease and the amazing work that the charity does. He added: “I want people to know that it is not just about raising money but also about raising awareness of the disease and how it affects people.”

To support David you can donate on his JustGiving page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Davids100kmforParkinsons or like and share his page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Davids100kmforParkinsons