Parkinson's UK’s Post

Rowing an ocean, solo and unsupported is challenging at the best of times, but at night...that's when Tom's mettle is really tested. 😯 • On a clear night, with a full moon, the night time is a beautiful place out there. The moon lights up the ocean, and the milky way streaks across the sky like a giant road of stars, whilst shooting stars regularly skim the atmosphere. 🌌🌠 • But since Tom has been rowing, it's been foggy, or at least a cloud-filled sky at night. And this means no light from the suns reflection on the moon. No stars to adorn the sky...and it is absolutely black out there. ⬛ • The only light sources are from the navigation light behind him, and the digital read outs on the outside of the cabin. If he turns those off, it almost feels like being blind - you can't see the end of the oars, and you certainly can't see the big waves coming. 🌊 • Tom relies mostly on his hearing on nights like these to prepare for a big hit from a wave. There is not a great deal he can do, but when he hears the roar of a big wave incoming, he can at least brace for impact. 😱 • Nobody ever thought this was going to be an easy crossing - but it's proving to be even harder than imagined! 😲 • Despite all this - Tom is doing an INCREDIBLE job - he's making brilliant progress and isn't far from clearing the 'Flemish Cap' - the place where the cold Labrador current, connects with the warm waters of the gulf stream. 💪 • Remember, Tom is rowing the Atlantic to raise money and awareness for Mind - please donate to this brilliant cause today at https://lnkd.in/e55nzqnz 🌐 • A huge thank you to all of Tom's sponsors who have helped make this amazing challenge possible: - Gold sponsors: Everlast Gyms Tritax Symmetry - Silver sponsors: VW&S Group BOOM POWER - Bronze sponsors: Immobilier du Pont - Le Châble Hotel Farinet Verbier • #mindoarmatter #atlanticrow #atlantic #oceanrow #mind #mindcharity #mentalhealth

So far Tom has been rowing over the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, for the entirety of his row. This is a submarine area of the North American continent...the continental shelf. 👍 • He is currently approaching the Flemish Pass, an underwater canyon separating the majority of the Grand Banks with a smaller section called the Flemish Cap. So far the water depth has between about 75 and 250 metres deep...but as he heads over the Flemish Pass, it'll drop to 1.5 KILOMETRES deep, before quickly returning to about 200 metres as he gets over the cap. Then beyond the cap, it'll drop again to a terrifying 4 km deep, and even deeper! 🤯 • These vast and steep changes in water depth can create challenging conditions for Tom. All the energy inside kilometres deep water is being pushed up in to much shallower water and this can create some pitchy waves and unpredictable conditions. 😯 • Add to that fact, that it is around here the Labrador Current encounters the Gulf Stream. It is MUCH more complicated than our simple diagram shows (and we can perhaps show some more detailed imagery later), but this mix of two powerful currents will create spinning eddies, and really strange current systems which Tom will have to navigate. The Gulf Stream is one of the most powerful oceanic currents on the planet, and although most of it's speed is found further south and east, it's still likely to have a major impact on Tom's speed and direction. 🚣♂️ • Thankfully Tom is having weather support from Charlie Pitcher from Rannoch Adventure - so he will get daily advice as to what those conditions are planning on doing, so that he can make the best possible progress. 💪 • Remember, Tom is rowing the Atlantic to raise money and awareness for Mind - please donate to this brilliant cause today at https://lnkd.in/e55nzqnz 🌐 • A huge thank you to all of Tom's sponsors who have helped make this amazing challenge possible: - Gold sponsors: Everlast Gyms Tritax Symmetry - Silver sponsors: VW&S Group BOOM POWER - Bronze sponsors: Immobilier du Pont - Le Châble Hotel Farinet Verbier • #mindoarmatter #atlanticrow #atlantic #oceanrow #mind #mindcharity #mentalhealth

Before we talk about the weather, how AMAZING is it to see the UK on the same bit of chart! 🤩 • With just under 800 nautical miles left to row it's still much too early to make any solid predictions on a landing date. A purely mathematical equation based upon his speed and distance since the start would get him to land on the 23rd August, but that has included some time on para-anchor. And whilst we have little idea what mother nature has planned for Tom for the rest of the journey, we have all of our fingers and toes crossed that it will be para-anchor free and helpful winds for the remainder, so it's possible he could land considerably earlier than that. 🙌 • We can see on this image that the weather system that blew through yesterday has mostly passed - he's now in the yellowy green bit which is much lighter in speed.👍 • However there is another weather system coming in, which looks like it will peak on Saturday night into Sunday morning - it's a similar pace to the one he's just experienced, but it will be in the dead of night. In some ways this is good, because the worst of it is when Tom isn't rowing anyway. However when we spoke to him recently he mentioned that actually lying in the cabin listening to these huge waves crashing against the side of the boat, was often more scary than actually being out on the deck and being able to see them! 😱 • Today marks four full weeks at sea for Tom, and by this stage he has honed his ocean rowing skills, he's perfected his life out there, and he's fully prepared for what Saturday night brings. 💪 • Remember, Tom is rowing the Atlantic to raise money and awareness for Mind - please donate to this brilliant cause today at https://lnkd.in/e55nzqnz 🌐 • A huge thank you to all of Tom's sponsors who have helped make this amazing challenge possible: - Gold sponsors: Everlast Gyms Tritax Symmetry Tritax Big Box REIT plc - Silver sponsors: VW&S Group BOOM POWER - Bronze sponsors: Immobilier du Pont - Le Châble Hotel Farinet Verbier • #mindoarmatter #atlanticrow #atlantic #oceanrow #mind #mindcharity #mentalhealth #Tritaxbigbox

🌊Final Round for the Triple Crown 🌊 Swimming for clean waters #alwaysontarget Adalvo From the icy waters of the English Channel to the mysterious depths of the Catalina Channel, I’ve learned that with perseverance and mental toughness, anything is possible. As I prepare for my final challenge on August 21st—the iconic swim around Manhattan—I carry with me the lessons learned from each stroke, each wave, and every moment of doubt I’ve overcome. My swims are not just about pushing boundaries they are connected with a bigger impact. As Adalvo’s Brand Ambassador, I swim with a mission—to raise awareness about the global water crisis. Millions of people around the world lack access to clean drinking water, and this cause is deeply personal to me. Through my partnership with charity: water, I’m using my platform to make a tangible difference, bringing clean and safe drinking water to those who need it most. As I take on this final leg of the Triple Crown, my journey is a reminder to us all: when we push our limits, embrace the unknown, and commit to something greater than ourselves, we can achieve greatness. I’m proud to have Adalvo standing by me in this journey, raising funds and awareness for a cause that affects us all. Ready to swim in Hudson river despite the dirty dark water! I hope my story reminds you to chase your own Triple Crowns—whatever they may be—and to remember that the greatest successes are born from the courage to push beyond what we think is possible. Join me in supporting the mission for clean water. https://lnkd.in/eqfyNGm4 #TripleCrown #OpenWaterSwimming #Adalvo #CleanWater #PushYourLimits #Inspiration #ManhattanSwim #DreamBig #AchieveGreatness

Whilst it's still a fair way off, it's worth a look at Tom's expected landing point - Penzance. 🇬🇧 • Famous for being the base of the pirates in the comedy opera (and the various tv and film adaptations) 'Pirates of Penzance', this is actually the westernmost major town in all of England - and it's that latter fact that is a key reason for this being Tom's target. 🎯 • As he approaches the south coast of mainland UK, Tom will skirt the coastline for about 10 miles - which tide-dependent is likely to be about 6 hours rowing (or double that if the tides are turning against him when he approached). 🌊 • He will be monitored for the entire time, and Tom will be keeping an eye on his surroundings, because it's at this stage where things can be a little more tricky. Strong tidal flows, shallow areas, partially submerged rocks, increased traffic, coastal winds. They all make for a challenging approach. • We're getting a lot of questions about when Tom will get to the UK. At this stage, we simply don't know, it's too far away to accurately predict. However, just based on maths alone, and not taking into account any future weather, he's looking to land between the 19th and 22nd August. But with 690 nautical miles left to row, and the unpredictability of long range weather forecasts, this date range could change hugely. 🌬️ • Remember, Tom is rowing the Atlantic to raise money and awareness for @MindCharity - please donate to this brilliant cause today at https://lnkd.in/e55nzqnz 🌐 • A huge thank you to all of Tom's sponsors who have helped make this amazing challenge possible: - Gold sponsors: Everlast Gyms Tritax Symmetry Tritax Big Box REIT plc - Silver sponsors: VW&S Group BOOM POWER - Bronze sponsors: Immobilier du Pont - Le Châble Hotel Farinet Verbier • #mindoarmatter #atlanticrow #atlantic #oceanrow #mind #mindcharity #mentalhealth #Tritaxbigbox

Road cycling and investor meetings don't go together? Those who have attended our Stockpicker Summits know that the opposite is true. That's why we're launching a new format: 𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗕 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 🚴♂️ Our concept consists of two components: 1. Investor meetings with a twist We bring European investors together with exciting listed companies. And where better to do this than on a road bike? Admittedly, conversations aren't ideal during an ascent, but they're all the better over a bite to eat afterwards or on the flat sections. 2. Every kilometer counts ❣ To ensure that not only the tour participants benefit but also people in need of help, we will set a charitable cause in advance. Everyone can then decide for themselves how much to donate per kilometer completed. The minimum pledge is €1. The locations will vary. We'll start with 📍 Mallorca! Cyclists know the island is the perfect spot for this format. There are only two conditions: No e-bikes and no Rabobank jerseys :) I am already looking forward to the first rides together. To all investors and CEOs of listed companies: If you're interested in joining our format, feel free to send me a message!

#GreatNorthRun2024 I am very excited and proud to be running the Great North Run again this year, in support of the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation. Former Liverpool, Bradford City and Bolton Wanderers footballer Stephen Darby and close friend and British Forces Veteran Chris Rimmer have partnered together to launch the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation. The average life expectancy is just 2-5 years from the onset of symptoms A third of people diagnosed will die within a year and half within 2 years. MND is NOT a rare disease as often described and doesn’t only affect people aged 50+. There is a serious lack of awareness and more importantly funding. There is a lot of research going on and signs of promising treatments in the future The Darby Rimmer Foundation are contributing to the fight against MND in three different key ways... Awareness- Raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease is one of the foundations aims. The more we can raise and display how devastating MND is, is crucial in advancing to government level. Support- Supporting the particular the financial implications this disease brings. Offering support to individuals and families by offering grants to those who need it. Research- Research into treatments is vital on the journey to finding a cure for MND. At the moment there is no effective treatment or cure but there is promising research going on. Network, any donations would be greatly appreciated, to this great cause!

While the dust settles on what was an extraordinary few days, I will try to sum up a few things I have learned (or re-learned). 1. No matter the pain or torment in the journey, the result far outweighs everything else. 2. True grit is found in the hardest of situations. 3. You learn more about people when they are thrown into tough situations. 4. A deep connection is made when a hard battle is fought together. 5. You cannot expect ‘you’ from other people. 6. Do not judge until you know all the facts (or at least a bit more!). 7. Your emergency is not anyone else’s emergency. 8. Hard effort is rewarded. 9. Mother Nature is in charge. 10. No one can ever take away your achievement. I watched 4 young people (aged 16 - 19) take on a challenge they had been training for since April. In lakes in very cold and miserable conditions. A testing sea training session. But nothing can prepare you for the actual event. The nerves / excitement. The pressure to perform. The more challenging conditions. The dark. The sea sickness. The relentless need to push beyond an invisible force. The need to keep going when the end seems to have been in sight for so long. The physical pain caused by your costume rubbing. The desire for steady ground beneath your feet. A lot of things can be prepared for and as a parent you can pack bags for every eventuality. But in reality, when you are not there and have not done what your hero daughter has done, you have to know that she did her best. Beyond anything anyone would expect. They made it. They were all relieved it was over. They have succeeded against some very tough conditions. And having written all that, I still find it hard to put into words how utterly proud I am of the team, how thankful I am to the skipper / crew looking after them all on the boat and to their coach for getting them through. Team, daughter, you are my heroes. Remember: pain goes, glory lives on forever. More to come from me on this. Please keep the donations coming - their effort deserves so much more as a result. Link in the comments. Thank you 🙏 Young Minds Matter City of Coventry Swimming Club STRATFORD SHARKS SWIMMING CLUB AP Race dryrobe Ltd STRATFORD ORTHODONTICS LIMITED Make Good Grow Angus McChesney Howard Cobble #charity #channelswimming #mentalhealth #openwaterswimming #swimming #englishchannel #legends #heroes

🌟 How Butterfields is making a difference At Butterfields, our journey is more than just a business story; it's a tale of community and commitment. We thrive today because of the support we've received, and we believe in paying that forward through meaningful initiatives. • Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We're dedicated to forging stronger ties with Indigenous-owned businesses, learning more about Indigenous cultures, and creating job opportunities for Indigenous communities. • Cycling: By sponsoring the Butterfields Racing Team, we support aspiring, passionate athletes with essential resources and opportunities to compete on a national stage. It's our way of fueling talent and fostering growth in the sport we love. • Charity support: Through our support for various Not for Profits (NFPs), we ensure that those in need receive the help and support they deserve. Every initiative we back is a step towards a better, more equitable world. Together, we're building a brighter future and making a positive impact. 🌍💪 #CommunityInvestment #CSR #Reconciliation #Cycling #CharitySupport #ButterfieldsServices

Yesterday, over 50,000 people ran the London Marathon After months of training and mindboggling commitment, they pushed themselves to the absolute limit and achieved something really amazing. What if that effort had gone towards defending life on Earth?   I have incredible respect for marathon runners, I couldn’t do it. They have achieved something really fantastic, and I salute them - they are a testament to the power of human will But we’re deep in a planetary emergency and that means society has to reconsider its priorities Many people say they don’t take part in climate action because they just can’t find the time in their busy lives. Yet many marathon runners are overworked professionals with young families, and they still found time to train because they made it a personal priority Many ran as a way to make the world a better place, to raise money for their important causes. It's a wonderful commitment, thank you. But what if those hundreds of hours of training instead went to confronting the power structures that make their cause necessary in the first place? I worry about what this says about our sense of agency. Folk seem to feel the only way to make a difference is to raise money for charities and campaigners. We feel it’s the job of others to make the world better, so we leave it to the professionals (like most of my network here) and support them with cash   But that model is failing. Charities and campaigners can’t do it on their own, not even with unlimited budgets. Leaving action to others is why we’re in an emergency in the first place To get out of this we need to reach social tipping points, when momentum towards change becomes unstoppable. To reach it, we need everyone to get involved, and make climate action every bit as much of a personal mission as running a marathon is Many runners feel real elation - it's part sense of achievement & part runner’s high, but often it seems more than that. It seems also to come from having had a real sense of purpose. A deep satisfaction from committing oneself to something bigger than our day-to-day grind Well there’s no greater sense of purpose to be had than coming together with your fellow humans to fight for a better future & the survival of all we love. It’s not a struggle with a clear end point like a marathon, but you get more than a PB and a medal You get to know you tried