A Mossley man has completed a gruelling 1,200-mile walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End after 82 days on the road, raising almost £5,000 for Parkinson’s research.
Pete Keenan, originally from Saddleworth, set off on his mammoth journey earlier this year, taking on one of Britain’s toughest walking challenges to raise money for the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Pete completed the challenge on Wednesday, September 23, having walked the length of Britain alone while carrying his own equipment.
The challenge was inspired by the impact Parkinson’s has had on Pete’s own family, with his dad living with the condition and his former father-in-law having sadly died from Parkinson’s-related illnesses.
When he set off, Pete admitted he was unsure whether he would make it all the way to Land’s End.
Now, having completed the 82-day journey, he said reaching the finish line was a testament to determination – and to the incredible support he received from people along the way.
“I was not sure if I would make it,” Pete said.
“I had an initial target of Fort William. To be here now is a testimony to determination.
“I feel we all have it in us. It’s finding something that pushes us, and gives us that drive.”
Throughout the journey, Pete was supported by strangers, communities and businesses who followed his progress and offered encouragement, donations and, in some cases, shared their own experiences of Parkinson’s.
He said the response had left him “overwhelmed”.
“I have been overwhelmed by support from strangers – people I’ve never met, who have stopped and shared their stories,” Pete said.
“Indeed, I have cried with them.
“One local village came together and donated over £300. A village of strangers who believed and felt what I was doing and believed so much they all donated.”
Pete also recalled being given a round of applause in a pub during the journey, describing the experience as something that left him deeply emotional.
“The words can’t show my emotion,” he said. “I’ve been touched by so many of these outpourings.”
His homecoming through Mossley was another highlight, with local people turning out to support him as he passed through the town.
Local businesses and friends have also played a major role in supporting Pete throughout the challenge.
“The local Mossley businesses and a number of friends who have supported me has been amazing,” Pete said.
“I feel overwhelmed. It gets to me.
“I really believe in these things being great for communities and something that should be cheered on, because I think we can enthuse others.”
Pete’s journey has been documented online throughout the 82 days by Jamie, who has managed his social media updates while keeping in regular contact with him during the challenge.
Jamie said Pete’s determination never wavered, despite the physical and mental challenges of completing such a huge undertaking.
“I’ve spoken to Pete every day for 80 days while he’s been on this walk and not once has his determination to finish for the cause wavered,” he said.
“It’s been a difficult journey with lots to overcome, including horrible weather and a few injuries, and I couldn’t be prouder of him.”
Jamie also paid tribute to the people who supported Pete, particularly during his return to Mossley.
“I want to say thank you from me to the people who have shown constant support to my mate, particularly on day 50, the homecoming day walking through Mossley, which was amazing.”
Pete’s fundraising total is now approaching £5,000, with donations continuing to support the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
His original target is £10,000.
For Pete, however, the challenge has ultimately become about more than reaching a fundraising target.
It has been about raising awareness of Parkinson’s, demonstrating what determination can achieve and showing the impact communities can have when they come together behind a cause.
Pete previously completed a number of charity walks, raising money for causes including Oldham Mountain Rescue, Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind and the Anthony Seddon Fund.
But this latest challenge has taken his fundraising efforts further than ever before – covering more than 1,200 miles across Britain in just 82 days.
To support Pete’s fundraising visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/pete4parkinsons?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL