A MAN who is stepping out for charity in memory of his father is urging other fundraisers to join him in helping to find a cure for Parkinson's disease.

Kevin Gregory, from Fordingbridge, is taking part in the sponsored Walk for Parkinson's event along Bournemouth seafront on Father's Day, Sunday, June 16.

The Dorset event is one of 45 across the UK set to raise more than £600,000 for charity Parkinson’s UK’s pioneering research to find better treatments and a cure for the condition.

Kevin, 51, will be taking part in the walk in memory of his dad who had Parkinson’s, and hopes that local people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels will join them on the day. His partner Liane, whose father also has Parkinson's, will be joining him.

He said: “I’ve chosen to do the walk in memory of my dad who had lived with Parkinson’s for over 12 years before sadly passing away earlier this year after a short illness.

“I’m well aware of the day-to-day struggles that people with Parkinson’s experience. I can no longer do anything for dad, but maybe by raising a bit of money I can contribute a small bit to helping others."

Distances for walkers include the choice of a two-mile, three-and-a-half-mile and six-mile route along Bournemouth seafront, and down to Sandbanks and back.

One in 37 people will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s in their lifetime. This neurological condition affects people of all ages and has over 40 symptoms including tremor, loss of mobility and dementia.

Over the past four years Walk for Parkinson’s fundraisers have raised more than £1.5 million for Parkinson’s UK’s pioneering research to find a cure.

The registration fee is £12 for adults and £5 for under 16s, with team discounts available. Walkers should aim to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship.

To sign up, or find out more, visit parkinsons.org.uk/walkdorset19, email fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk or call 020 7963 3912.