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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

 

Hebrides News: Parkinson’s Disease fundraising

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.