WALKERS will be taking on one of two routes at Wilton House at the weekend in aid of Parkinson’s UK at the weekend.

Taking part will be Ray Reeve, 72, who will be dusting off his walking shoes for a 3k stroll with his family around the grounds of the House on Sunday.

He will be walking with his wife Susan, daughter Clare, son-in-law Phil and grandchildren Rose and Mollie, on the eve of Parkinson’s Awareness Week. Mr Reeve has been living with Parkinson’s for 14 years, being diagnosed in April 2000 at the age of 58.

He said: “We decided to take part in the walk for Parkinson's UK because we want to make people more aware of Parkinson's, and it will be great to spend time walking together as a family.

“I am amazed and saddened to see how many people of similar ages to me are affected by Parkinson’s. I know firsthand the devastating affect it can have on a person’s confidence, lifestyle and social life. We must do what we can to find a cure.”

Also putting on their walking shoes will be Jane Morgan, from Quidhampton, her husband Dace, daughters Josie and Connie Robers and sister Kay Morgan. Mrs Morgan’s brother, James, was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s a year ago, at the age of 44.

She said: “This is our way of saying thank you for their help, but also helping practically by raising money for research that I hope will ultimately lead to a cure so that maybe for my brother, and others like him, Parkinson’s isn’t a life sentence.”

The Parkinson’s UK Wilton House Walk will see many families and friends team up for a fun and sociable walk to help raise awareness of Parkinson’s, with the choice of a 3k or 10k route. The entry fee for the walk is £10 for adults and £5 for under 12s, and walkers are asked to raise at least £50.

For more information go to parkinsons.org.uk/content/wilton-house-walk, call Zoe Steer on 0844 225 3732 or email rf.southwest@parkinsons.org.uk.

• Mr Morgan is organising an evening of music and comedy called SymFunny at the Royal Albert Hall on June 4 to raise funds for the charity.