A Construction Director in Nottingham has set off on a trip of more than 837 miles to support his chosen charity, PSP Association (PSPA).
Rob Hutchings (51), who works at Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ divisional office in Nottingham, was recently seen off by his team to kickstart his trip from John O’Groats to Land’s End. He has spent the last couple of years restoring ‘Lenny’, his Classic Land Rover Series 3, to help guide him across the UK and raise funds for PSPA.
PSPA is the only UK charity dedicated to creating a better future for people living with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD). The charity is close to Rob’s heart as his mother, Diane Hutchings, recently lost her battle with the neurological condition PSP, which affects roughly 10,000 people across the country.
Rob said: “After watching my mum fight this horrible disease and lose her mobility and ability to communicate, I was determined to support PSPA to raise awareness of the condition and hopefully provide support for other families.
“As was the case with my mum, 60% of people are misdiagnosed with other conditions, such as Parkinson’s therefore it is imperative awareness is increased.” So far, Rob has been able to raise £13,204 with the backing of supporters, friends and family, and colleagues at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands.
Rebecca Packwood, CEO at PSPA, said: “At PSPA, we were all excited when Rob reached out to tell us about the amazing challenge he had planned to help raise awareness of PSP, in light of his mum’s diagnosis and experience.
“Improving awareness of PSP and CBD, and ensuring people receive an accurate and timely diagnosis is at the forefront of our new charity strategy. Over the past few months, it has been incredible to see Rob’s dedication and drive to ensuring more people know about PSP and CBD as well as our charity.
“We are extremely grateful to Rob for everything he has done to raise funds and aid our ongoing awareness efforts. We wish him lots of luck for his journey and we looked forward to cheering him on, when he passes close by to our Milton Keynes office.”
Mark Cotes, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands, said: “We offer Rob our full support and wish him the very best of luck on his fundraising trip around the UK for PSPA.
“PSPA’s work is both admirable and vital, and it is a cause close our hearts here at Barratt and David Wilson Homes. Rob’s strength and charitable efforts has made all of us at the company very proud, and we hope he is able to make the most of the sightseeing in memory of his mother.”
Starting on Thursday 6th April, the five-day journey will see Rob complete John O’Groats to Perth on day one, Perth to Shap on day two, Shap to East Leake via the Peak District on day three, East Leake to Somerton on day four, and Somerton to Land’s End to conclude the trip.
