A GOLFER with Parkinson's has recreated a fundraising challenge to show people with the disease 'don't have to put their lives on hold'.

Antrobus Golf Club member Martin Holbourn has been living with the condition after he was diagnosed in 2006.

Four years on from his diagnosis, in 2010, Martin took on a 72-hole fundraising golf challenge for Parkinson's UK.

And last year, the 65-year-old recreated the challenge - albeit over just 40 holes - to raise more than £3,800 for the charity.

Martin said: "My daily life revolves around my condition and taking my medicine on time.

"I wanted to take on this golf challenge to show people that Parkinson’s doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold.

"Golf is a challenging and difficult sport, and Parkinson’s just adds another challenge into the mix.

"I won’t let Parkinson’s stop me from doing what I love.

“In 2010, four years into my diagnosis, I took on a 72-hole golf challenge to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK.

"Fast-forward to 2022, and I wanted to recreate my previous challenge. But, as I have been living with Parkinson’s for 16 years now, 40 holes seemed like a more realistic target."

Martin's fundraising was part of a wider campaign at Antrobus Golf Club, who nominated Parkinson's UK as the clubs charity for 2022.

Club captains Breda Byrne and Paul Bayley were the driving force behind the fundraising as other club members, including Martin, have been living with the condition for many years.

In total the golf club raised more than £7,000 for the charity.

Breda said: "It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK and we will continue to support in any way we can."

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure.

It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed.

Parkinson's UK supports those affected by the condition and funds research into the most promising treatments, and fights for fair treatment and better services.

Alison Cope, regional fundraiser at Parkinson’s UK, said: "We are so grateful to Antrobus Golf Club for their incredible fundraising for Parkinson’s UK.  

"With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough.

"We hope that this fundraising inspires you to get involved with Parkinson’s UK.

"There are lots of ways for you to get involved and support us - from volunteering at an event, to campaigning for better services. Without the generosity of people like you, our work would not be possible."

To find out how to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK visit parkinsons.org.uk/fundraising.