A JUNIOR section of Otley Rugby Club has embarked on a year long fundraising drive for a Parkinson's disease charity in support a team member's mum.
Caroline Cockerham, the mum of Harry, a member of the U13's Otley Zebras, was diagnosed with the disease at the age of just 42.
She has spent the last few years raising money for the charity Cure Parkinson's and she spoke to the team about the disease and her experiences.
She said: "I didn’t think I would ever be so open about this disease. I was too embarrassed and ashamed to tell anyone I had it, due to it mainly affecting older men. I’ve learnt a lot over the past two and a half years about Parkinson’s and how it can affect you in many ways.
"Some days I think I have come to terms with it and other days I am terrified at what my future will hold. It’s like a ticking time bomb in my head, not knowing when things will change and when they do how bad they will be. It’s constantly there at the back of my mind that I have this illness and I feel so trapped that I will never be rid of it."
A spokesperson for the team said: "The story hit home, and the entire U13's Zebra family got behind the cause and the idea of raising as much money as possible to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
"The boys are aware of Kevin Sinfield’s amazing fundraising feats for MND and a teammate and have grabbed hold of that concept. They are up for the challenge of pushing themselves to help out one of their teammates’ mum."
The first event - a curtain raising rugby game before Otley played Wharfedale - took place on Saturday and on Tuesday - Parkinson's Awareness Day - the team were busy bag packing and running a tombola at Yeadon Morrisons.
A series of charity events are planned throughout the year including an Everest Challenge on Otley Chevin which will see the team climbing up the north face 18 times - a 20k hike uphill at an average gradient of 17 degrees.
They will also be washing cars, baking cakes, and the team hosting a quiz night at the club with Shaun Wallace from ITV's The Chase.
Add in a summer family fair, a gin tasting night and a bonfire, the boys will have a busy year.
The have already raised over £4,000. If you would like to donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/otley-zebras-2023
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