A WIDOW who walked more than 120-miles in memory of her husband has raised £1,108 for Parkinson’s UK.

Rosemarie Bell, 66, took on the ‘September Walk Challenge’ in memory of her late husband David Bell, who had Parkinson’s and died in 2011 aged 62.

After his diagnosis Mr Bell had to give up his job and despite doing voluntary work, he lost all his confidence and didn’t like leaving the house as Parkinson’s took over his life.

Mrs Bell, of Guisborough, said: “David became very reliant on others and also experienced side effects from some of the medication.

"Parkinson’s has a knock-on effect on the whole family and we had to get support from many organisations.

"I am pleased Parkinson’s UK is educating people about this debilitating condition. There’s a misconception that the tremors are the main symptom.”

Ms Bell walked a total of 122-miles throughout September and hopes her fundraising efforts will also promote the benefits of exercise for physical and mental health.

“Anything which helps to give the mind a positive focus must be beneficial, she said.

"I wish all this information and knowledge had been there for us and this is a reason we fundraise for Parkinson’s UK.

"Research is important and the more people can understand about the condition the better.

"This is why the majority of our fundraising goes to local research.”

Mrs Bell and her daughter Erica have been doing annual Christmas shopping coach trips and quiz nights for the past four years to raise funds but this was cancelled this year because of the pandemic.

Thanks to the walk, the pair are now close to reaching their target of £10,000 for Parkinson’s UK.

Parkinson’s UK is the largest charitable funder of Parkinson’s research in Europe.

Katherine Bartrop, head of regional fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said:

“Nobody should have to face Parkinson’s alone - or without hope that one day we’ll find better treatments and a cure.

“That’s why we’re so grateful for the continued support from our amazing fundraisers like Rosemarie whose fundraising efforts during this difficult time, help us keep our vital support services and research programmes going.

"Without their support, nothing we do would be possible.”