Maria Gomez

This year, I'm Pedalling To Fight Parkinson's on behalf of the most courageous and bravest fighter, my incredible dad...

Parkinson’s has been a relentless teacher, a bumpy road, an unrhythmic song we have learnt to dance to, and a quiet companion who never truly leaves. Yet, through it all, it has allowed me to meet the strongest fighter I could ever know: my dad.

Parkinson's has completely changed my perspective and made me truly grateful for every good moment my dad has (when medication kicks in as it is supposed to), for each and every single time he smiles, for every song we dance together, and for all the jokes he enjoys sharing over and over again, as if it's the very first time.

Parkinson's has also silently taken away so much from my dad, and continues taking away from all of us. Today, I have the privilege to continue seeing him fighting, holding onto hope and faith, after 18 years of diagnosis, still standing!

Parkinson's disease is the fastest-growing neurological condition globally, and it affects millions of people around the world. I am pedalling to fight Parkinson's, while continuing to learn from the best.

This is in honour of my beloved daddy, whom I love more than words can explain and whom I profoundly admire and always will

Your support will make a real difference to progress life-changing research and improve services to maximise choice, independence and wellbeing for people living with Parkinson's.