Jonathan White, a Cheltenham resident diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago, is undertaking an extraordinary cycling journey spanning over 3,300km across the United States. His mission: to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK and his local support group, while showcasing the resilience of those living with the condition.
Joined by other cyclists who also have Parkinson’s, Jonathan is part of the ‘Pedal to Phoenix’ challenge, a grueling 36-day journey along the US west coast that will conclude at the World Parkinson’s Congress in Phoenix this May. The route includes iconic cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles before crossing the Arizona desert to their final destination.
The cyclists will ascend approximately 95,000 feet — nearly three times the height of Mount Everest — and cover a greater distance than the upcoming 2026 Tour de France. This monumental effort symbolizes determination and endurance in the face of Parkinson’s.
Jonathan reflected on his journey: “Since my diagnosis, I’ve taken on annual cycling challenges to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s. ‘Pedal to Phoenix’ is my biggest challenge yet, perfectly timed to coincide with this significant global event.”
Last year, he completed the Arctic Challenge, cycling over 600km through Norway’s Lofoten Islands and climbing 4,500 meters across fjords and mountains. Among the 22 participants in that challenge, fourteen, including Jonathan, are living with Parkinson’s.
Since being diagnosed in 2022, Jonathan has become chair of the Cheltenham Parkinson’s UK support group and has raised over £8,000 through various fundraising efforts.
He added, “This ride demonstrates what people with Parkinson’s can achieve, emphasizes the importance of exercise, and supports Parkinson’s UK’s vital work. Sharing our stories is powerful, and we hope this ride brings us closer to a cure.”
Ruth Wright, Community Fundraiser for the South West at Parkinson’s UK, praised the team’s dedication: “We are deeply grateful to Jonathan and his fellow riders for their incredible commitment and generosity. Parkinson’s is a complex, progressive brain condition affecting 166,000 people in the UK alone, with symptoms ranging from tremors and pain to anxiety. Currently, there is no cure.”
Parkinson’s UK highlights that someone in the UK is diagnosed every 20 minutes, with global numbers expected to double to 25 million by 2050.
Jonathan’s journey is an inspiring testament to courage and community in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.