A TAUNTON woman hopes to make her dad proud by walking 100 miles in 30 days to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK.

Amy Muir began her challenge on February 8, often taking her 18-month-old daughter along with her.

Amy, 29, was inspired to support the charity as her dad Edward was last year diagnosed with Corticobasal Syndrome, a condition that can share some of the features of Parkinson's such as stiffness, slowness of movement and tremor, and is described as atypical parkinsonism or Parkinson's Plus.

She said: “Parkinson’s is a devastating condition and so I have wanted to do something to raise money for Parkinson’s UK and thought what better way to make use of this third lockdown.

“I really want to make my dad proud.

Somerset County Gazette:

"Up until a couple of years ago, he led a very active lifestyle as a farmer, always working hard.

"His brilliant, practical mind meant there was nothing he couldn’t build or fix.

"Passionate about anything with an engine, he was always happiest tinkering with tractors, cars and farm machinery.

Somerset County Gazette:

"His love of music also means one of his favourite mottos is, 'Keep on rocking' - there’s not many Queen tribute shows in the Somerset area that have gone by without him attending.

“The truth about Parkinson’s and similar Parkinson’s Plus conditions is that they have an immeasurable impact on a person’s life and those loved ones around them.

"It can be brutal and it isn’t easy for a person to accept not being able to do the things they used to love to do.

“I would do anything to take this away from my dad - so if me walking 100 miles can help even in the smallest of ways, then I’m happy. It’s the least I can do for my dad who has always been there for me.”

Amy has already raised £1,214 - you can support her via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amy-muir100

Melissa Rankin, regional fundraiser for the South-West at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to Amy for choosing to support Parkinson’s UK with her walking challenge and we wish her the very best of luck with the remaining miles!

“Fundraising for Parkinson’s UK like Amy helps us drive forward the groundbreaking research we need to transform the lives of people affected by the condition.”