Spinning Wheels Tour: London to Stratford ride raises Parkinson’s awareness with 65 km route, support team, and a trumpet welcome

# What happened

# Who shared a personal story Susan Fullerton, who helped with logistics, spoke about living with Parkinson's. Diagnosed nine years earlier, she described tremors, dystonia that affects her toes and walking, and the broader mental-health effects such as anxiety and depression. She said stress contributes to disease progression.

Fullerton also recounted participation in a clinical trial that involved delivering medication directly into the brain. After the procedure she noticed improvements she hadn't expected, including partial recovery of smell. She contrasted common public assumptions—Parkinson's is only an older-person disease or only tremors—with the reality that it affects people across age groups and includes many non-motor symptoms.

# The ride and conditions Organizers designed a route of about 65 km with mostly rolling hills. Temperatures started near 10°C and rose to around 15°C. Sun was present, but wind proved a consistently difficult factor for riders. The group used periodic regrouping to keep riders together, especially for the final stretch into Stratford.

# Arrival and atmosphere The ride's highlight was the entry into Stratford park, where the group received a welcome that included trumpets and a fanfare. Volunteers named Mary, Larry and Phil were acknowledged for their welcome at the park.

# Purpose and fundraising The event combined community celebration with awareness-raising and fundraising for Parkinson's. Parkinson Canada was cited for context: more than 120,000 people live with Parkinson's in Canada and the organization funds research, provides support and advocates for improved healthcare outcomes.

# Practical details for readers

• Route length: about 65 km.
• Terrain: rolling hills with some windier sections.
• Weather on the day: sunny, roughly 10°C to 15°C.
• Support: multiple vehicle drivers accompanied the group to handle logistics and rider needs.

# Why this matters The ride framed Parkinson's as a complex condition affecting people of different ages and with both motor and non-motor symptoms. Personal accounts like Fullerton's make the range of experiences visible and connect fundraising to real-world impacts.

# How to follow up If you want to support similar events, look for local Parkinson's fundraising rides and inquiries to Parkinson Canada for donation and volunteer opportunities.