A LLANGOLLEN woman will be stepping closer to a cure for Parkinson’s by taking part in the Walk for Parkinson’s fundraising event at Snowdon on Saturda, May 12.

Meinir Austin, 46, from Glyn Ceiriog, near Llangollen, decided to get involved in Parkinson’s UK’s annual walk in memory of her mum, who had Parkinson’s and sadly passed away last year.

Ms Austin will aim to raise £150 with her walk.

Ms Austin said: “My mum’s symptoms started in 2011 with a trembling hand and over the next five years she got steadily worse. Her mobility was affected and she would shuffle and fall over. She also had difficulty eating, and her speech got quieter and quieter. It got to the point where she’d stay indoors so people wouldn’t see her.

“I was my mum’s carer for five years, and at times she would ask me 'what will become of me, Meinir?', and I would reply 'don't worry mam, I'm with you all the way.'"

Following her walk, Ms Austin will be donating all money raised to Parkinson's UK, a leading charity behind the care, treatment and raising awareness of people with Parkinson's.

Ms Austin said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge of walking Snowdon. It will be great to meet others who have experienced similar situations of Parkinson’s as me. This is my second Walk for Parkinson’s event and I’m also taking part in the walk at Lake Vyrnwy in July.”

There are 7,700 people living with Parkinson’s across Wales.

The Walk for Parkinson’s event at Snowdon involves a nine mile route to the summit, starting in Llanberis.

The event will be supported by Welsh-born BBC presenter Sian Lloyd, whose mother also has Parkinson's.

Ms Lloyd said: “Thank you Meinir for signing up to walk for us this year.

“We want to make 2018 our biggest year yet for the Walk for Parkinson’s in Wales. I’d like to invite everyone, whatever their age, ability and level of fitness, to unite to improve life for people affected by Parkinson’s.”

Registration for the Walk for Parkinson's has now closed, but those wanting to get involved can do so at another Walk for Parkinson’s event at Lake Vyrnwy on Sunday, July 8.

For more information visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/walklakevyrnwy, call 020 7963 3912, or email fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk