A relay swim around the Isle of Wight is tomorrow (Thursday's) challenge for three people who all live with Parkinson's.

Peter Burns, Allan Coe and Ben McEwen are from Sussex and are travelling across the Solent to raise cash and awareness through a triathlon-style event, organised by Parkinson’s support group Positively Parkinson’s, which Peter co-founded. 

Weather dependent, on July 20 they will be among ten people trying to circumnavigate the Island's 65 miles of challenging waters.

Part of an event called The Big Tri, the swim will be followed by a bike ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End - over 1,000 miles - and, in September, a group of hikers will take on Mount Snowdon.

Isle of Wight County Press: On a training session, ahead of their swim around the Isle of Wight.On a training session, ahead of their swim around the Isle of Wight. (Image: Positively Parkinson's.)

Peter said: "Parkinson’s is frequently associated with the physical symptoms of shakes, tremors and slowness, but often almost unrecognised is the mental symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

"Like an iceberg, it isn’t what you see on the surface but what is going on underneath which has the greatest impact."

He said finding a cure is the ultimate goal, but demonstrating what can be achieved with a positive mindset, by people who have Parkinson's, is critical to help others.

How to support The Big Tri

In September 2021, 12 Positively Parkinson’s swimmers raised over £47,000 by swimming to the Isle of Wight, across the Solent. 

Ben McEwan said: "I was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s in 2021.

"Swimming has been a big help to my physical and mental wellbeing and I’m looking forward to being part of the challenge of swimming around the Isle of Wight."

The Sussex swimmers are among 10 people from across the UK to be taking part in the Isle of Wight swim and their challenge is likely to take 24 to 36 hours, with swimmers rotating every hour.

The team is supported by Chloë McCardel, the world record holder for 44 English Channel solo swims and her boat, Channel Queen.