Racing for a Reason
In aid of
Parkinson's
Every mile Karl sails is dedicated to the millions of people living with Parkinson's disease and the researchers working to change their future.
Racing in Aid of
Understanding the Condition
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain. It develops when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement, stop working properly and are lost over time.
There is currently no cure. Treatments can help manage symptoms, but the condition worsens over time. It affects people differently, and no two people's experience of Parkinson's is the same.
Parkinson's is not just a condition that causes tremors. It affects movement, sleep, mood, cognition, and quality of life in profound ways, for the person diagnosed and for everyone around them.
Learn more at Parkinson's UK
The Scale of the Challenge
Parkinson's by the numbers
People worldwide living with Parkinson's
People living with Parkinson's in the UK
New diagnoses every year in the UK
Most common neurodegenerative disease globally
Of people with Parkinson's experience depression
Current treatments manage symptoms only
Living with Parkinson's
How Parkinson's affects people
Parkinson's affects far more than movement. The condition has over 40 known symptoms; physical, cognitive, and emotional. These symptoms vary from person to person.
Tremor
Involuntary shaking, usually starting in a hand or arm at rest.
Slowness of Movement
Bradykinesia makes everyday tasks slow and difficult.
Rigidity
Muscle stiffness that can cause pain and limit range of motion.
Balance Problems
Postural instability increases the risk of falls.
Non-Motor Symptoms
Sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and cognitive changes.
Speech & Writing
Changes in voice volume and handwriting are common.
Our Commitment
Why we race
Every media mention, every sponsor conversation, every social media post is an opportunity to put Parkinson's disease in front of people who might otherwise never think about it.
Via the Global Solo Challenge's global platform, Smith Ocean Projects aims to partner with local Parkinson's charities around the world.
Over 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson's and vital care, support and research needs to be supported globally.
Funds raised will be donated directly to our partner charities - with our amazing donors choosing which charity they want to donate to.
Official Charity Partners
Parkinson's UK
Registered Charity No. 258197
The UK's leading Parkinson's charity, funding research, providing support, and fighting for a better future for everyone affected by Parkinson's.
Cure Parkinson's
Registered Charity No. 1111816
Cure Parkinson's funds research to slow, stop and reverse Parkinson's, working with a global network of scientists and clinicians.
Michael J. Fox Foundation
Team Fox — For Parkinson's Research
The world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research, dedicated to accelerating a cure and improved therapies for people living with Parkinson's.