MR LOOPHOLE FINDS LOOPHOLE IN LOCKDOWN LAW TO RAISE THOUSANDS FOR CHARITY

The lawyer known as Mr Loophole has used his fabled technique to raise thousands of pounds for charity - by finding a way around lockdown restrictions.

His nickname reflects a knack for using legal technicalities in court to win cases for his celebrity clients

Cheshire-based Solicitor Nick Freeman used a loophole in lockdown law to ensure he could complete a three day sponsored walk in aid of charity Parkinson’s UK.

The 63 year-old lawyer had intended to raise £60,000 by walking 60 miles from his house in Cheshire to the Nottingham home of his younger brother, John, who has Parkinson’s and who has just turned 60. The name of the event was Mr Loophole’s 60/60/60 Challenge for Parkinson’s.

However just before the starting date of the walk in March, Boris Johnson announced that the country was going into lockdown. Only one walk a day was permitted as part of the pandemic rules.  

Said Nick: “This completely ruled out my original plan as it would have meant staying away from home on route to Nottingham. But I’d already started fundraising and certainly didn’t want to let John or any of my supporters down. So I realised I needed to find a loophole if I was going to pull this off.”

So, accompanied by his son Ben, 26 and his Staffy, George, Nick spent three consecutive days walking 60 miles around the Cheshire countryside near his home - covering 28 miles on the first day, 23.5 miles on day two and nine and half miles on the last day (deciding to do an extra mile for luck).

He has now reached his grand target of £60,000 (including gift aid).

Driving Nick’s quest was the fact that John ‘an otherwise strapping, outdoors guy’ was diagnosed with Parkinson’s five years ago.

Said Nick: “As a family we were devastated and blindsided by the fact someone like John, so strong and healthy, could get this awful condition. We all felt so helpless. Around 145,000 people are living with Parkinson’s in the UK and it’s currently the fastest growing neurological condition and yet there’s no cure. I felt I just had to do something.”

Leading Dutch neurologist Bastiaan Bloem recently warned that Parkinson's could be “the next pandemic” - predicting that over the next 20 years, the number of people with the neurological condition will likely double - from the present 6.5 million to more than 13 million.

With £60,000 netted for Parkinson’s UK, John Freeman says he is immensely proud of his brother’s achievement.

Said John: “When Nick said he was doing the walk, I thought it was a great thing to do. But to be honest I didn't think he’d pull it off - it was such a long way and a lot of money to raise. As my big brother I’ve always teased him a lot. But actually I am really proud of him. I'm hoping the money Nick has raised will go towards research and so help us find a cure for this horrible condition.”

Added Nick: “In such uncertain times, it has been wonderfully uplifting to find so many people willing to support this cause and so give hope to my brother, John, and so many others hope.

I’m just glad we found a way to do the charity walk. But as I say, where there’s a loophole there’s nearly always a way.”

Paul Jackson-Clark, Director of Engagement at Parkinson’s UK added:

“We are immensely grateful to Nick and his son Ben for adapting in these difficult times to complete their fundraising challenge for Parkinson’s UK. Their perseverance and commitment in the past few months is truly inspiring.

“Not only does Parkinson’s impact the individual diagnosed, but it can also affect family and friends. Over a million people with Parkinson’s, family members, friends and carers need Parkinson’s UK now more than ever. 

“The amazing funds raised by Nick and Ben will help us continue to fund pioneering research to find a cure for Parkinson’s, boost our helpline capacity, provide tailored online exercise classes and make sure people receive face-to-face support in new ways.”

About Parkinson’s UK:

Anyone can get Parkinson’s, young or old. In the UK, around 145,000 people are already living with Parkinson’s. Every hour, two more people are diagnosed.

Parkinson’s is what happens when the brain cells that make dopamine start to die. There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety. Some are treatable, but the drugs can have serious side effects. It gets worse over time and there’s no cure. Yet.

We’re the largest charitable funder of Parkinson’s research in Europe. We know we’re close to major breakthroughs. By funding the right research into the most promising treatments, we get closer to a cure every day.

Until then, we're here for everyone affected by Parkinson’s. Fighting for fair treatment and better services. Making everyone see its real impact. 

We are Parkinson's UK. Powered by people. Funded by you. Together we'll find a cure.

Advice, information and support is available via our website, www.parkinsons.org.uk, or our free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.

Pictured, from left to right - John and Nick Freeman