Parkinson's fails to deter "Iron man"

Tuesday August 28th, 2012

A man of 40 diagnosed with Parkinson's disease plans to defy the condition with the aim of raising a million pounds for research.

Alex Flynn, a former lawyer, aims to cover 3,500 miles across the USA, running, rowing, cycling and swimming in the space of 30 days.

The Ironman athlete says his body now feels encased 'in concrete'.

Setting off today for the USA, he said: “I’ve run marathons and ultra-marathons, completed Ironman distance triathlons and even traversed the entire continent of Europe, but without a doubt, the Trans America Challenge will be the most gruelling thing I’ve ever done. 

"But I’m determined to raise as much money and awareness as possible.

"This is part of a personal fight back against this terrible, non-discriminatory disease that destroys the lives of millions of people across the world – a disease which will affect even more lives in the years to come as populations increasingly age.

"We need to unlock a cure for Parkinson’s fast.”

Meanwhile 40 tandems, with blind cyclists on the rear seat, are crossing Holland to help kick-start a pioneering gene therapy trial.

The trial is due to start at Moorfields Hospital, London, in the hope of finding a treatment for the eye condition choroideraema.

The cyclists aim to complete their 400 km ride in London and present a cheque to the hospital on the opening night of the Paralympic games tomorrow.

Rider Paul van Renselaar said: “We are delighted to be in London for the opening night of the Paralympic Games.

"To be invited to Holland House to make this presentation to support this very important research programme which is making a significant contribution to blinding conditions is marvellous.  It will be a night to remember.”

Tags: Brain & Neurology | Eye Health | Genetics | North America

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