LOCAL actor, Peter Halpin, has completed his 100 laps of Victoria Park challenge, raising over £1,500 for charity.
It took Peter 11 hours and 20 minutes to complete his challenge, which was in support of Parkinson’s UK, inspired by his father who has lived with the disease for over 20 years.
“The total donated so far has crossed over £1,500, which is astonishing,” said Peter. “I never thought I could raise close to that much. My dad, who has had Parkinson’s for 25 years, and been in a care home for six years, is extremely grateful and happy.
“This week (w/c 11th May) I was able to see him in person for the first time in almost 18 months. He can’t smile very easily these days, but he did when he heard I’d done the walk and raised so much to help people like him.”
And Peter has praised the support of the Frome community, who turned up on the day of his challenge last month to cheer him on. “The support I had was fantastic,” he said. “We’re new to Frome, so really hadn’t expected anyone beyond my wife and son (who spent half the day in the park!) to turn up, cheer me on or motivate me to get to the end.
“But Frome showed me we were right to move here and that there are many wonderful, kind people in the town.
“I had several people come to the park specifically to see me and donate after reading the article in the Frome Times – several offering donations there and then, and some even joined me on a few laps.
“I met others who know/knew people with Parkinson’s, which was so nice to share our respective experiences and family. Even when I finished there were several people cheering and clapping me over the finish line.
“I would like to say thank you to everyone who supported me and the charity, from messages and words of encouragement to all the generous donations. (Every donation is generous by definition!) Also thanks to the Café In The Park who were very supportive and helpful. Thank you everyone!”
You can still support Peter and donate to Parkinson’s UK, by visiting the website : www.justgiving.com/not-a-walk-in-the-park
