A KENT man with Parkinson's Disease is tackling a sponsored trek in America's Sierra Nevada mountain range to raise £5,000 for fellow sufferers.

Martin Hurst, 53, of Style Close, Rainham, and his wife, Meryl, are in training for the gruelling five-day trek in aid of the Parkinson’s Disease Society (PDS).

They have already been promised £4,176 and are arranging a party at their home for friends and relatives which should raise another £200 to 300.

Meryl and Martin were recently two of 50 special guests at an exclusive event held by the PDS in London, hosted by TV favourite Graham Norton.

The party marked the launch of Party for Parkinson’s, a PDS fund-raising initiative that aims to raise £100,000 in 2008.

"We didn’t want to sit around moping, so we decided to do something positive while we are still well enough to trek," said Martin.

"I feel a bit apprehensive about it but it is all in a wonderful cause. I was made redundant two weeks ago but I am not letting Parkinson’s Disease put me off of trying to get another job either."

Graham Norton, whose father had Parkinson’s, said: "I am delighted to be supporting the Party for Parkinson’s initiative. It is a fantastic way of having fun and raising money for an important cause at the same time."