Man raising money for Parkinson’s research by cycling around Victoria

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WatchDiagnosed with Parkinson's disease more than a decade ago, Alf Todd has fundraised tirelessly to find a cure. Veronica Cooper has the story.

Ever since he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 14 years ago, Alf Todd been cycling and raising money to help find a cure for this neurological disorder.

In that time, he’s managed to raise more than $60,000.

“Every day is different,” says Todd.  “It’s a strange phenomenon. There are days when I’m feeling that I can barely walk, and yet, I throw my leg over the bar of the bike, and I don’t have Parkinson’s anymore.”

Early after his diagnosis, Todd organized a fundraising bike ride to San Francisco. Now, his rides are closer to home — where he continues to raise money for the cause.

“Last year we raised just over $10,000 with a one-way ride to Port Alberni, but my wife told me I couldn’t do that one anymore because I almost got run over on the hump.”

On Aug. 14, Todd and other riders will embark on a 60-kilometre ride from Parkinson Wellness Projects office on Blanshard and Hillside out to the Peninsula, around the Victoria International Airport and back. The money Todd and other riders raise will be donated to the Parkinson Wellness Projects.

“We provide fitness classes, physical therapy, support groups and counselling, and educational workshops,” says Misha Handman from PWP, as it’s known.  “The full breadth of what might be needed for both people with Parkinson’s, and their caretakers and close family members.”

“PWP has been a big part of my life for the last 13 or 14 years” Todd explains. “And I want to do whatever I can to give back.”

Parkinson Wellness Projects is hugely grateful for Todd’s fundraising efforts.

“It’s incredible, and it’s critical to be honest,” says Handman. “We don’t receive any government funding. All of our funding comes from private donations, through corporate sponsorships, like Paladin Labs who are supporting Alf’s ride, and through people like Alf who are organizing these amazing events for us.”

To donate to Alf Todd’s Ride for Parkinson’s, click here.

[email protected]

 

Veronica CooperVeronica Cooper

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