SIXTEEN years ago Alan Wharton set up the Oxford & District Branch of Parkinson’s UK to try to help others with the disease.

What started as a few friends and his wife, Pauline, has transformed into a group with more than 200 members.

Parkinson’s is a nervous disorder which gets worse as time goes by. Symptoms include shaking, stiffness, eye and speech problems and depression.

In Oxfordshire there are more than 1,300 people with the disease.

Despite being the group’s founder, Mr Wharton has not yet taken part in their biggest fundraiser, the Oxford Parkinson’s Walk.

But that is about to change as he gears up for this year’s event, taking place on October 12.

He said: “I’ll be a bit of a passenger doing it in my wheelchair.

“I’ve got an electric wheelchair and a normal one. I’ll see how I feel on the day before I decide which one I’ll use.

“I don’t think I can do much more after this. I’ll have to take a back-seat slightly.

“I hope this year’s walk will be even better and have even more people.”

Last year, 250 supporters took part in the walk, raising £20,000.

Mr Wharton said: “Hopefully this year will raise even more.”

Mr Wharton, 74, has suffered from the disease for the past 25 years. He said: “When I was diagnosed I went to look for somewhere to join and I realised there wasn’t anywhere.

“So I decided to set a group up in Oxford with my wife.

“At the beginning it was very personal, just asking people we knew with Parkinson’s if they wanted to join the club.

“But it grew and we moved into bigger premises and it just kept going from there.”

The Didcot resident said: “When people first told me I had Parkinson’s I didn’t believe them.

“A friend spotted I had the shakes when we were walking down the street and said something and I just thought it was nothing. But I went to the doctor and sure enough he confirmed it.

“It damages the nervous system and people have great difficulty with life. The branch is there to hold people’s hands and help them whenever we can. We have nurses, people who understand the benefits system, all sorts.”

Last year the grandfather-of-one was recognised at the Oxfordshire Charity and Volunteer Awards. He said: “I don’t want to blow my own trumpet, but setting it up is the best thing I’ve ever done.

“I just want to help people, that’s my main aim.”

Entry for three walks – one of two miles, one four miles and another eight miles – is £10, or £5 for under-12s.

There is no minimum sponsorship, but the charity suggests that walkers aim to raise at least £50.

To sponsor Mr Wharton, call 01235 813386.

To sign up or for more information, visit parkinsons.org.uk/content/oxfordwalk or call 020 7963 9367 or email fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk

 

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