‘I am raising money so future generations need not suffer this vile disease’: Royston’s Lynn walks for Parkinson’s charity in memory of dad Ken

Lynn Burgess’s father Ken Russell sadly died from advanced Parkinson’s in December and the 52-year-old hopes to spare others the same fate.

She said: “Over the course of a few years I watched my dad deteriorate from a healthy man enjoying his retirement to someone requiring 24-hour care.

“He was suffering from dementia, unable to walk or talk and struggling to speak or even swallow. Somehow he managed to retain his great sense of humour.”

Parkinson’s is an incurable degenerative disease where the brain gradually cannot control the body’s muscles – which often causes uncontrollable shaking.

Parkinson’s UK has organised a walk at Knebworth House next Sunday, October 4, and will use all the money raised to try to find cures and help sufferers.

Lynn will be taking part in the walk together with her friend Maxine Evans.

She said this week: “I am raising money to fund research so that future generations need not suffer from this vile disease and to support the families of those who are sadly already affected by it.”

To support Lynn in her fundraising mission, visit the JustGiving website and search ‘Lynn Burgess’ or ‘Maxine Evans’.

Michelle Henderson, regional fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK in the East of England, said: “We are delighted to be hosting a Walk for Parkinson’s event at Knebworth House.

“It is a stunning venue inside and out, which has allowed us to run two fundraisers on the same day – a walk and an afternoon tea.

“The afternoon tea is open to anyone, you don’t have to walk first but walkers can certainly join us after the walk to celebrate their achievement.

“The funds raised from the Walk for Parkinson’s – Knebworth House will make a real difference to our work to improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s.

“I would encourage everyone in Hertfordshire to walk or dine with us to help find a cure.”