The family of a Lewis farmer affected by Parkinson’s Disease are raising funds for
a support charity.
Charles Macleod, better known as Charlie Barley, of the family butchers and Stornoway
black puddings producers, was diagnosed with Parkinson's over 15 years ago.
His daughters Shona Macleod and Lorna Maclennan, and Lorna’s husband Angus (who hails
from Loch Partain, North Uist) are running the Inverness half marathon this Sunday
to raise money for research cause Parkinson’s UK.
Charles, 64, continued to live a full and very active life until a hip replacement
operation resulted in him contracting an infection and spending much of the last
two years in hospital.
Parkinson’s a degenerative condition so although Charlie is now back at home is his
mobility is significantly reduced.
Shona Macleod who works in the family’s butcher shop said: “My sister Lorna and I
had chatted many times about taking on a challenge to raise money for Parkinson's
research as they are making great progress in developing treatment for people being
diagnosed now.
“Lots of people raise funds for cancer research and of course it's a very worthy
cause but less well known conditions such as Parkinson's also require funding for
very important research.”
She added: “The training has been tough over the winter months in all conditions
but the looming race day is making sure they don’t miss any training sessions come
rain, hail or shine.”
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have donated so far
with the fund standing at an amazing £5000.”
The trio are calling themselves the Barley Gang and have set up a donations’ page
at www.justgiving.com/Barley-girls
Barley family in charity race 12/3/13
Charlie Barley with his daughter Shona who is running the Inverness ½ marathon on
Sunday for Parkinson’s UK.