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Above: Mark (left) and Colin. Below: Adrian and Maria
Above: Stuart (left) and Andrew; below Sean (left) and Geoff
Cheer them on!
Please sponsor our Paddlers team - go to our donations page or scan the QR code. And come along on the day to cheer them home!
Rower
Colin Brown
I’m looking forward to the challenge of being in the dragon boat race because when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s I felt that a door had shut in my life for doing new things. So this will be a tremendous encouragement for me going forward.
Rower
Mark Denison
I’d figured it out before my official diagnosis which made me both sad and angry. I had plans for my retirement that included skiing, cycling, shooting and travel, to name but a few physically demanding activities. Parkinson’s has stripped me of so much – but paddling in the forthcoming dragon boat races has become a very important ‘win’.
Rower
Adrian Rowe
Adrian is the much valued Chef at Amarna House care home. He's living with Parkinson's.
Rower
Maria Liversidge
I am in the privileged job role as Clinical Physiotherapist within the Elderly Movement Disorder Clinic in York. This role is solely pump primed by Parkinson's UK and gives me the opportunity to work with the Parkinson's community. Not only does this role allow me to work clinically but also to engage with the Parkinson's community, raising much needed awareness and providing shared learning. I'm delighted to be part of the Parky Paddlers. It's fantastic to see us all work together towards a common goal and I can't wait for race day.
Come on Parky Paddlers!
Rower
Stuart Rawlings
Stuart has sold surveying equipment for over 40 years. Married with two children, he was been living with Parkinson’s for over 6 years.
Never one to let things get him down, he remains active and positive. He’s continuing to focus on his wellbeing and promoting Parkinson’s UK to the wider community.
I get such a lift from exercising in general but particularly when I’m part of a team. That’s why the Dragon Boat Race is so important to me but it’s bigger than that. I want to show the world that Parkinson’s might be life changing, but it only takes away your fun and enjoyment of life if you let it!
Rower
Andrew Robshaw
From city trader to logistics in France and commerce in Latin America, Andrew has had a varied life.
Read about how he has successfully rebuilt his life here in York after his Parkinson's diagnosis.
Team leader
Geoff Roberts
Geoff is a branch committee member. He previously worked in construction management and became involved in our branch through helping a friend attend our walking football class.
Boat captain
Sean Sweeney
Sean is a professor of biology at the University of York. He conducts research into Parkinson's.
"It is such a pleasure and an honour to be asked to be Captain for the Parky Paddler's Dragon Boat. I'm so looking forward to the day, the company of the Parkinson's community and the race. The training sessions have been fun - the enthusiasm is infectious and inspiring! I ask myself if it was a mistake to mention to Geoff that I'd been in a Dragon Boat Race previously? I'm certainly not regretting it! Way to Go Parky Paddlers! "
York Branch is part of the national organisation Parkinson's UK.
A registered charity in England and Wales (258197) and in Scotland (SC037554). Registered office: 50 Broadway London SW1H 0DB