Man living with Parkinson’s for 46 years takes on exhilarating zip wire for Parkinson’s UK

Matt Eagles from Cuddington took on the dare-devil stunt to raise vital funds for Parkinson’s UK.

He took on the 1.5 kilometre zip wire - known as Velocity 2 - at Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales, on Saturday 30 April. 

With a top speed of 100 miles per hour and travelling a distance of 1,555 metres, Matt flew over the quarry and Snowdonia National Park. 

A longtime supporter of the charity, Matt was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at just seven years old. Joining him on the day were Anne Twist, mum of singer Harry Styles and influencer Gemma Styles, her family members including her nephew Matt Selley and Parkinson’s UK Trustees Gary Shaughnessy, Elaine Evans and Sally Bromley, who are also living with the condition.

Matt has previously taken on other fundraising challenges including abseiling down Manchester Town Hall, a 10,000ft tandem skydive in Shropshire and a wing walk. 

He had deep brain stimulation surgery1 over 15 years ago but without his medication, Matt struggles with balance and rigidity. His medication can cause dyskinesia, making his body jerk and twitch uncontrollably. This makes undertaking everyday tasks most people take for granted extremely difficult.

Matt said: “Sometimes it looks like I’m sitting auditioning for Riverdance. I know it looks funny and I don’t mind laughing about it. It helps me cope. But sometimes the twitches can be pretty violent. Last summer, I ripped one of the muscles in my back which was extremely painful. Being able to take something that could give me back control of my body would be a game changer.” 

Speaking about taking on Velocity 2, he adds: “I love to challenge myself, I really do. It makes me feel alive and in control - the fastest zip wire in the world was the perfect challenge for me, I loved it!”

Gary Shaughnessy, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Parkinson’s UK at Parkinson’s UK, said: 

“There are lots of misconceptions about what you can and can’t do when living with Parkinson’s. By taking on this challenge, Matt has proven that there is hope and the condition does not have to hold you back from taking on adrenaline-filled adventures.

“I was very grateful to have him by my side as we took on this daring challenge, but it wasn’t just about a great day out. Events like this raise the vital funds that are bringing us closer to a new and much needed treatment in years, not decades. That’s what the Parkinson’s community needs and deserves.”

To find out more about fundraising for Parkinson’s UK, visit:

www.parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising

To learn more about deep brain stimulation to treat Parkinson’s, visit: 

Parkinson’s UK’s website.

Parkinson’s is what happens when the brain cells that make dopamine start to die. There are more than 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.

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. Around 145,000 people in the UK have Parkinson’s.

Further information, advice and support is available on our website:

www.parkinsons.org.uk

Pictured - Matt Eagles took on the zip wire challenge to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.