Geezer to retrace St Cuthbert’s 7th century route in aid of the charity Parkinson’s UK
Them Snooks get about.
In late April, Geezer Club member Peter Kessler is lacing up his walking shoes to retrace the path of St Cuthbert, a 7th century native of the Scottish Borders who dedicated his life to the church as part of a fund-raising walk.
Kessler and friends aim to hike from southern Scotland’s Melrose Abbey some 63 miles (100 km) to the Northumberland coast at Lindisfarne (Holy Island) along the trail known as St. Cuthbert’s Way.
Kessler was inspired to make the trek by his friend Huw Leyshon, a one-time medical student at London’s St. Bartholomew’s Hospital who is determined the undertake the walk to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK.
“Just over three years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s which is the fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in the world,” Huw Leyshon said. “ Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It gets worse over time and there’s no cure. Yet.”
According to Parkinson’s UK, “funding research into the most promising treatments, we’re getting closer to a cure. Until then, we’re improving life for people living with Parkinson’s, and the people in their lives.”
Most members of the Geezer’s know someone who is afflicted by Parkinson’s, and several suffer from it themselves.
While St Cuthbert’s Way ends at sea level on windswept Lindisfarne, the start of the trail mounts Scotland’s Eildon Hills and then rises steeply to its highest point at Wideopen Hill, at 1,207 ft. Walkers attempting the path must be prepared to encounter any type of weather.
Leyshon declared, “on account of Parkinson’s Disease, walking is a challenge for me. I can’t be certain that 63 miles in four days is achievable, but I am determined to meet the task head-on and earn every quid of sponsorship.”
“I volunteer with Parkinson’s UK as a Lay Grant Application Reviewer and so I see first-hand the positive impact of the donations on which Parkinson’s UK relies.”
Leyshon will be joined by his wife, Jane, who trained as a nurse alongside Kessler’s wife, Rachel also at London’s St Bartholomew’s Hospital. While the Leyshon’s both eventually left medicine, Rachel later worked as a midwife in the East End. Rachel has a brother who is also living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD).
Several thousand people a year reportedly undertake the walk from Melrose to Lindisfarne, crossing the last six miles along Pilgrim’s Path, a tidal causeway marked by posts. True devotees of Cuthbert are known to cross the sands barefoot while they race to beat the rising tide.
Leyshon’s fundraiser has so far collected some £4,529 (inclusive of gift aid) and including welcome contributions from members of Bow’s Geezers’ Club. Anyone can contribute to the Parkinson’s UK fundraiser via the JustGiving web portal.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/huw-leyshon-2#supportersList
Are we nearly there ?
“All the money raised will be donated directly to Parkinson’s UK which does an excellent job supporting those living with Parkinson’s Disease, as well as funding research with the goal of finding a cure,” Leyshon said.
Peter and Rachel take a break.