A company director in the midst of his own battle with Parkinson’s is so determined to raise awareness of the condition that he is about to embark on his third ‘crazy’ fundraising challenge.

Fifty-three-year-old John Saunders, from Malpas, was diagnosed with the progressive neurological condition just over four years ago and has already completed a bungee jump in New Zealand and climbed Kilimanjaro in aid of Parkinson’s UK.

Now he has set his sights sky-high – quite literally – as he prepares to do a wing walk in Leeds on May 28.

John explained that the motivation behind his series of challenges is to highlight Parkinson’s and what symptoms to look out for, as he admitted he did not really know what it entailed when he received his diagnosis.

John Saunders doing his bungee jump for Parkinsons UK
John Saunders doing his bungee jump for Parkinsons UK

“My very first symptom was about ten years before my diagnosis, which is not unusual,” said John, who has three children, two stepchildren and three granddaughters.

“It is quite a complex condition.

“The sooner people get diagnosed, the better because the treatment is more effective and it is a degenerative condition.

“It’s a disease that can strike anyone at any time; it’s non-discriminatory and its impact on one’s life can be devastating.”

Related story:

Suggestions wanted

John is keen to continue his series of adventures in the name of charity and is inviting suggestions for what he can do next.

“I want to try and do something different so give me ideas for some ‘crazy’ things on my JustGiving page,” he added.

To sponsor John, click here.