Since the last time I’d posted anything on social media, a lot had happened. The Donald had lost and won a presidency. There had been an epidemic. #MeToo occurred. The Queen had passed away. Liverpool F.C. won a league title. You get the point, it had been a while.
Parkinson’s a New Normal
So what spurred me into action in February 2025, posting this blog after 7 years? Yes, Liverpool were about to win another title, but that wasn’t it.
In 2020, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease which was more of a shock than Brexit. Oh yeah, that happened too while I was napping. Having spent lockdown stewing on my fate, I decided I’d better get used to my new normal. It was time to get on with it. The world keeps turning. Presidents come and go. Crowns get passed on. Nigel Farage keeps popping up. Yet, my PD is here with me to stay. Parkinson’s is like that person you spent an hour with on the bus while backpacking. You casually invite them to come and visit, safe in the knowledge you’ll never see them again. But then, they turn up on your doorstep.
How Balls to Parkinson’s was Born
So Balls to Parkinson’s was me getting on with it!
In the early hours, I often feel as though I’ve stepped through a mirror. I find myself in an alternate world where everyone is sleeping except for me and the cat. Sleeping is overrated. You can get a lot done in those Twilight Zone hours, I’m sure that most despots are insomniacs. Rather than planning world domination (although I can’t speak for the cat), “Balls to Parkinson’s” was born.
One night, my brain was stuck in the usual Mobius loop. While I might not be able to lift myself off the bed, I could at least lift myself out of the current Parkinson’s ‘blah-ness’ I was feeling. That’s when I resolved to enter the London to Brighton Cycle ride and to do it in aid of Parkinson’s UK and The OddBalls Foundation. In the course of the following restless few hours, I went from cycling 55 miles for a few quid in sponsorship, to becoming the next Sir Bob. I’d raise millions via a global charity concert at the end of the ‘race’ on Brighton beach.
The reality turned out to be something in between. But, it was enough to get excited about. It might even do a little good at the same time. Together with my family (go team Pritchard – Oliveira – Mallinson), we started Ball’s to Parkinson’s. Our aim was to raise a total of £10,000 for these good causes in 6 months.
Fundraising
Both these charities do fantastic work. Parkinson’s UK provides an immense amount of support for those living with the condition, and The OddBalls Foundation raises awareness of testicular cancer, which is one of the most common forms of cancer for younger men.
By the time I originally posted this in April, we had already raised £2500 and recruited a team of 20 who would ride with me from London to Brighton on Sunday 14th September.
Updating this entry today, the 9th of September, just 5 days before the ride, I am humbled by what we have achieved and by those who have supported our efforts. We have surpassed what I thought would be an amazing fundraising target of £10,000, and we’re now well on the way to raising over £15,000 by the end of the weekend.
We are having that charity gig at the finish, The Balls to Parkinson’s Beach Ball. It still is not the global event I had plotted that sleepless night, but it will include top local Brighton bands Hutch, Ideal Living, Soft Top and Sad Dad’s, not to mention sets from Fitz & Floss and a debut from Batmilk! Our fantastic venue, Dalton’s, have been wonderful in helping arrange and promote the gig. Dalton’s is conveniently placed on the lower promenade, very close to the finish line of the London to Brighton! It’s going to be a fantastic day
If you would like to follow how we get on in our final weekend of fundraising, check out the Balls to Parkinson’s Facebook page for all the latest details. You can also visit the Fundraising Events section of the web site for more information.
Thanks for reading, I’m off to play a midnight game of Risk with the cat.
Balls to Parkinson’s 