MORE than 170 walkers united to step closer to a cure for Parkinson’s when they took on the Walk for Parkinson’s event at Ashdown Forest.

The walk was one of 37 taking place across the UK throughout 2018 to raise vital funds for the charity Parkinson’s UK.

Fundraisers chose either a three or six-mile route around Pooh Stick Bridge and Five Hundred Acre Wood.

Parkinson’s UK expects to raise over £10,000 from the event.

Parkinson’s UK is the leading charity driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condition.

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

Richard Elliot, 50, took part in the walk with his wife and the duo dressed as a camel for the three-mile route.

Richard’s nieces, who are from Brighton, also joined them on the day.

Richard said: “My father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in his 40s and passed away last year.

“I’ve done several fundraising events in the past, and I signed up to the walk at Ashdown Forest this year so my young nieces Mollie and Megan could get involved too.

“We felt we needed a bit of an extra challenge to get people to donate which is why my wife and I wore a camel costume!

“It was a bit disconcerting at first as we couldn’t see much, but it wasn’t long before we got the hang of it.”

Richard has raised over £1,700 so far for Parkinson’s UK.

You can still support Richard and the charity by donating to his Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/richard-elliott25

Leigh-Beth Stroud, Regional Fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK in the South East, said: “A heartfelt thank you to everyone.”