A COUPLE will embark on an epic cycle challenge in memory of a brave mum who battled Parkinson's disease.

Gary Kay and his wife Rachel will attempt the challenge which coincides with the first anniversary of Rachel's mother Gwyneth Haworth’s death last year.

Mr Kay, who works for Blackburn-based manufacturing company Presspart, has now spoken of the devastating effects of degenerative brain condition Parkinson’s on his mother-in-law.

The 50-year-old said: “Gwyneth was a bright, kind lady with a real love of life and a great sense of humour. I see so much of her in my wife Rachel.

“It started with tremors and night terrors. Then she began to experience other symptoms like problems with movement, anxiety and depression.

“She was finally diagnosed in 2010 three years after the onset of symptoms.

“Early last year she became more confused, developing mild dementia and becoming unsteady leading to a couple of fall.

“Gwyneth had a Parkinson’s Nurse who made a huge difference, and nobody should be without support when it’s needed the most, which is why I’ve chosen to support Parkinson’s UK with my challenge.”

And in a bid to raise thousands for Parkinson’s UK’s research to find a cure for the condition and support for those affected, Mr Kay will take on an epic 10-day cycle challenge.

The challenge will see him cycle a 100-mile route each day for 10 days starting on June 21 and ending on June 30.

Each ride will be a round-trip starting from Whalley and taking in a different route.

On the final leg of his journey, Mr Kay will be joined by his wife Rachel and over 30 of his colleagues from Presspart which has already pledged £1,500 to the challenge.

Mr Kay added: “I’d like to thank Ann Marie Boothman and Vicky Auernigg for helping me promote the challenge, Presspart for their invaluable support, and my colleagues who’ll be riding and fundraising with me on June 30.

“I hope that we’re able to raise as much as we can in memory of Gwyneth to support other people living with this incredibly difficult condition.”

Mr Kay is now calling for the community to back his efforts in her memory by making a donation to his online sponsorship page by visiting justgiving.com/fundraising/rideforparkinsons

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that affects 145,000 people across the UK, with an estimated 15,256 people living with Parkinson’s in the North West.

It can affect people of all ages and has over 40 symptoms including tremor, loss of mobility and dementia.

Parkinson’s UK is the UK’s leading charity supporting those with the condition.

Its aim is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s through research, information, support and campaigning.

For advice, information and support, visit www.parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s helpline on 0808 800 0303."