ILKLEY mum Emma Moscrop is asking others to "walk with me for Parkinson's".

Emma was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease aged just 46 when her sons were seven and ten years old.

For Emma and her family it was a shocking diagnosis, as Parkinson’s is traditionally associated with older men – although it is now the fastest growing neurological condition in the world and is increasingly impacting younger people.

Emma’s Parkinson’s has thankfully been progressing slowly, which she attributes to exercise. There are currently no drugs to cure or slow down Parkinson’s but exercise is believed to be capable of slowing down symptom progression.

Emma walks vigorously at least twice a week up on the moors in Ilkley, as well as attending two strenuous exercise classes and yoga. Her sons - now 18 and 15 - and her dog also keep her very active.

In 2020 Emma came up with the idea of hosting a walk for Parkinson's UK. Around 65 people joined Emma and her family on a great walk across Ilkley Moor to the Cow and Calf, raising £3,765 for the charity.

In 2022, Emma joined Parkinson's UK’s Yorkshire & Humber Younger Person's Support Group (YHYPSG) and is now its co-ordinator.

To mark World Parkinson’s Day the group have organised a walk on Saturday, April 13 at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) to raise awareness and show support for people living with Parkinson’s. Emma and the rest of the YHYPSG are asking those living with Parkinson’s, their families and friends, to join them and walk in solidarity and friendship with them.

Emma said: “This walk is a fantastic opportunity to support the Parkinson's community in Yorkshire and Humber. It's a chance to meet others, enjoy nature, and raise awareness for Parkinson's and World Parkinson’s Day.

"We would love for you to join us at the stunning Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Please book your place online or get in touch for more information. Let's come together and make a difference!”

Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive at Parkinson’s UK, added: “We are delighted the Yorkshire & Humber Young Person’s Group are hosting this walk, highlighting the group’s support, and inspiring others.

"However you mark World Parkinson’s Day, you’re part of an unstoppable movement. Raising awareness of living with Parkinson's. Helping us to fund more ground breaking research and life-changing care. Being there for one another. There are so many ways to show your support and get involved. The Parkinson’s UK website has all the resources and ideas to make this World Parkinson’s Day the best yet.”

Walkers should meet by 1.30pm for the 2pm walk and are encouraged to wear Parkinson’s UK branded clothing, accessories, or anything blue for this year’s World Parkinson’s Day theme Make it Blue. Sensible clothing and shoes and a water bottle are recommended.

YSP are offering discounted entry for anyone booking a ticket in advance - £6 per adult aged over 25 and free for everyone else. Booking by April 6 is essential to guarantee entry and refreshments. Even if the weather is bad, the meeting will go ahead indoors with refreshments and socialising.

Car parking is free of charge and priority parking for Blue Badge holders is available. Entry is via the Park Lane entrance, off Jebb Lane.

The park has four off-road mobility scooters available for free hire, please contact the Visitor Experience team in advance to reserve on 01924 832631. Manual wheelchairs are also available to borrow inside the galleries.

To book and find out more information, go to www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/walk-with-me-for-parkinsons-parkinsons-yorkshire-and-humber-younger-persons-support-group-tickets-849370348577?

Emma can be sponsored at https://www.justgiving.com/page/emma-moscrop-1708689587059