Team Victor Takes on Walk for Parkinson's at Temple Newsam
A dedicated group of friends and colleagues from Leeds are preparing to participate in the Walk for Parkinson's at Temple Newsam on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The event will see the local team join hundreds of others to raise vital funds for Parkinson's UK, with a focus on supporting the charity's Nurse Appeal.
The team, known as Team Victor, is rallying behind Parkinson's UK's ambitious £9 million Nurse Appeal, which aims to fund more Parkinson's nurses and dedicated specialists. These professionals are a lifeline for the 166,000 people across the UK living with the condition, helping patients navigate daily challenges and manage symptoms.
Currently, a stark national shortage means that over 28,000 people with Parkinson's are left without access to these critical specialists. This shortage, paired with a general lack of understanding among wider health and social care staff, means that roughly one in five people living with Parkinson's are missing out on the expert care they desperately need.
Inspiration Behind the Fundraising
Claire Walker, 41, and her colleagues were inspired to get involved after their team manager's father, Zam Khan, known as Victor, 69, was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2020. His condition has since progressed, and the team have witnessed first-hand the impact it has had on his independence and daily life.
Claire said: “Taking part in Walk for Parkinson’s means a great deal to all of us. We’ve seen how quickly Parkinson’s has changed Victor’s life and how much strength it takes for him and his family to face each day. He was once the rock of the family and the ‘buzz of the neighbourhood’, always the one helping others. To see him now needing support with even basic daily tasks is heart-breaking, but what hasn’t changed is his spirit, humour and the love he has for his family. We want to do something positive in response to something so difficult. By taking part in this walk, we hope to raise awareness and vital funds. Every donation, no matter how small, really does make a difference.”
Event Details and Routes
Walk for Parkinson's at Temple Newsam will take place on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with two routes available: a 1.1-mile accessible route and a longer, 6.1-mile route, which Claire and her colleagues are taking on. It costs just £12 to sign up to Walk for Parkinson's (under 18s go free) and the suggested sponsorship target per person is £100.
All walkers will receive a fundraising pack with tips and advice, sponsorship forms and an exclusive Walk for Parkinson’s T-shirt to wear during the walk. As well as walkers, the charity is on the look-out for volunteers to help on the day. Registration is open until Sunday, July 12, 2026, 23:59.
So far, the team have raised £458 as part of their £1,500 fundraising goal. To support them and make a donation, visit: events.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraisers/teamvictor
Community Fundraiser's Call to Action
Ailsa Dragan, community fundraiser - Yorkshire at Parkinson’s UK, said: “It’s inspiring to have people like Claire and her colleagues sign up to support Walk for Parkinson’s to help raise money for Parkinson’s Nurse Appeal. The appeal aims to raise £9m over three years to help increase the number of Parkinson’s specialists in the UK. This will give thousands of people with Parkinson’s access to the specialist care they need. We hope as many people as possible will come along to take part in the walk, which promises to be lots of fun. We’re also keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in volunteering to support the smooth running of the event.”
To find out more about Walk for Parkinson’s and to sign up to walk or volunteer visit: parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/walk-parkinsons or email: walk@parkinsons.org.uk
About Parkinson's and Parkinson's UK
Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. Affecting 166,000 people in the UK, it has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is currently no cure. Parkinson’s UK is the charity that’s here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. For information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.
