Sisters in Horsham-to-Shoreham fundraiser in honour of their ‘hero dad’

Two sisters are stepping out on a 21-mile trek from Horsham to Shoreham on Saturday for a cause close to their hearts.
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Aimee Bleach and her sister Lisa Yazdabadi want to raise funds and awareness of Parkinson’s disease after their ‘hero’ dad Julian Pike was diagnosed with it seven years ago.

“My dad is such a lovely man and tackles his Parkinson’s with a smile,” said Aimee, who lives in Horsham.

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Sister Lisa, from Warlingham, added: “Parkinson’s disease takes away your ability to walk, move, eat, taste, smile and speak.

Julian's granddaughter Edie Bleach with  Aimee Bleach, dad Julian Pike, Julian's granddaughter Florence Yazdabadi,  and Julian's daughters  Lisa Yazdabadi  and  Emma SmithJulian's granddaughter Edie Bleach with  Aimee Bleach, dad Julian Pike, Julian's granddaughter Florence Yazdabadi,  and Julian's daughters  Lisa Yazdabadi  and  Emma Smith
Julian's granddaughter Edie Bleach with Aimee Bleach, dad Julian Pike, Julian's granddaughter Florence Yazdabadi, and Julian's daughters Lisa Yazdabadi and Emma Smith

“It chips away at everything we normally take for granted. Dad fights every day to keep moving and living an independent life.

“He has taught me so much and as a family we now want to do everything we can to support him through this journey.”

The sisters hope to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK from their walk on Saturday (September 26).

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Aimee said: “Currently there is no cure and Parkinson’s UK do a fab job supporting families like ours and also funding medical research into trying to find that all-important cure.”

The sisters also want to raise awareness of some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s so everyone has more of a greater understanding of the disease.

“The main symptom people aren’t aware of is ‘freezing’,” said Aimee. “Freezing is when you temporarily have a sudden inability to move and you are frozen on the spot.

“It can be triggered by obstacles, crowds, the need to turn, anxiety, and door frames. Freezing episodes can lead to bad falls due to the sudden stride of your legs working again, leading to a topple.

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“We feel it’s important more people are aware of this symptom to take the pressure off Parkinson’s sufferers when they’re out and about, especially in this current climate where everyone’s anxieties are heightened.

“It’s important to give the person space if they’re suffering from a freezing episode and ensure no obstacles are in the way.”