A dedicated bellringer is preparing to take on an endurance challenge to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK.
Chris Phillips, 53, from Malvern, will attempt to ring a church bell 10,000 times without stopping on Saturday, June 27, pushing himself through more than five hours of non-stop physical effort in support of the charity.
While bellringing is a familiar tradition in many communities, few people appreciate the physical demands involved.
Mr Phillips last remarkable fundraising effort saw him ring a 2.4-tonne cathedral bell 5,000 times without stopping, a feat that required four hours of endurance.
Though the bell for this year’s challenge is lighter at almost a quarter of a tonne, the increased repetitions will demand even greater stamina.
Of the £8,200 he raised two years ago, more than £7,000 came from the bellringing community across the country.
Mr Phillips said he hopes for similar support from both the national bellringing community and his local area.
He said: “Two years ago I was overwhelmed by the support I received from bellringers across the country and was proud to raise £8,200 for Parkinson’s UK.
“This year’s challenge will be even tougher in many ways. Although the bell is lighter, I will be pulling it 10,000 times continuously, which is expected to take more than five hours.
“Parkinson’s affects so many people and families. I hope this challenge will help raise awareness as well as vital funds for the charity’s research and support services.
“Any donation, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated.”
Parkinson’s is a progressive brain condition with more than 40 symptoms, including tremor, pain and anxiety.
Someone in the UK is diagnosed every 20 minutes and there is currently no cure.
Kirsty Berrigan and Rebecca Landolt, heads of community fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are so grateful to Chris for taking on this incredible challenge and choosing to support Parkinson’s UK.
“On behalf of everyone at Parkinson’s UK, thank you to Chris and all those supporting him for making such a meaningful difference.”
To sponsor Mr Phillips, visit www.justgiving.com/page/chris-phillips.
For more information on fundraising for Parkinson’s UK, visit parkinsons.org.uk/fundraising.