Local duo complete Sahara trek to raise money for Parkinson’s Disease

Dec 23 2009 by Will Henshaw, Rutherglen Reformer

A BIG hearted duo have made a triumphant return from their trek across the Sahara Desert to raise money for the Parkinson’s Disease Society.

Russell Smith, of Crofthill Road, Croftfoot, and his friend Chris Coubrough, of Stewarton Drive, Cambuslang, embarked on the gruelling exhibition where they travelled 100km over seven days in the searing heat across the African plain.

They decided to take up the challenge after Russell’s cousin, Bryn, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at only 36-years-old.

Courageous Bryn decided to combat the disease by becoming proactive and setting up the website www.wobblywilliams.com, which has raised over £100,000 for Parkinson’s charities to date.

As Russell (28) explained, his cousin’s brave initiative inspired him to take part in the trek to raise funds and awareness of the devastating disease.

He said: “We were all shocked by this as it is a misconception that only the old get Parkinson’s, which is not true. Bryn, my cousin, set up his own web page to raise the profile of Parkinson’s Disease and to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s Disease charities. I was inspired by his positivity and bravery and decided I wanted to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s, hence the Sahara Trek.

“We trekked 100km over six days in the blistering heat. It was an amazing experience and I was inspired by the amazing people I met. Whenever I felt I was tired or demotivated I looked around me and saw the people with Parkinson’s that were participating, which made me more motivated and positive to continue my challenge.”

The pair trekked along with 20 other fundraisers aided by local guides as well as having a British doctor on hand.

Father of two, Russell added: “It was very enjoyable but very challenging. There were some magnificent views, very different to what I thought it would be. I thought it would just be sand every where but it was actually quite diverse”

In the UK, one in 500 people – around 120,000 individuals – have Parkinson’s and one in 20 of those diagnosed each year will be aged under 40, meaning around 6000 people under 40 are living with the disease at present.

The duo are pain staking close to their £5000 target, having so far raised over £4000.

You can donate to Russell and Chris and help them reach their £5000 target at www.justgiving.com/russellsmith3434