London, UK – April 2026 — East London resident Jagdeep Singh Aujla will take on an extraordinary endurance challenge this May, cycling over 500 miles (800km) from Los Angeles to Phoenix as part of an international team heading to the World Parkinson’s Congress 2026.
Jagdeep, who lives with Parkinson’s and serves as the UK Ambassador for the World Parkinson’s Congress 2026, will begin the final and most demanding leg of the journey on 10 May 2026, joining the West Coast team in Los Angeles and riding through to Phoenix, Arizona.
Alongside this challenge, Jagdeep also runs a highly successful local non-contact boxing class for people living with Parkinson’s, creating an inclusive community space focused on exercise, confidence, and connection. The classes have become a vital support network for many individuals and families across East London.
The ride aims to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease, challenge stigma, and generate vital funds to support people living with the condition — both in the UK and internationally.
“This ride is deeply personal,” said Jagdeep.
“I live with Parkinson’s, and I’ve seen first-hand how the right support can transform lives — but I’ve also seen what happens when that support doesn’t exist. Every mile I cycle is for those who are still unheard, unseen, and unsupported.”
Supporting two vital causes
All funds raised will be split equally between two organisations:
- Parkinson’s UK — providing essential services including helplines, benefits support, accessible information, physical activity programmes, and funding critical research.
- Parkinson’s Si Buko Initiative — a grassroots initiative in Uganda led by Kabugo Hannington, focused on education, stigma reduction, and community-based support in areas where specialist care is extremely limited.
Jagdeep will personally cover all costs associated with the ride, ensuring that 100% of donations go directly to these causes.
A global perspective on inequality
In March 2025, Jagdeep travelled to Uganda, where he witnessed the stark realities faced by people living with Parkinson’s in low-resource settings. These included limited access to medication, lack of diagnosis, cultural stigma — including beliefs linking Parkinson’s symptoms to witchcraft — and significant financial barriers to care.
The fundraising effort will also support a community-led initiative involving the cultivation of Mucuna pruriens (a natural source of levodopa), aimed at exploring sustainable and locally accessible support options under professional supervision.
The challenge ahead
Cycling over 500 miles is a significant physical challenge — made even more demanding while living with Parkinson’s.
However, Jagdeep emphasises that the purpose of the ride goes far beyond the physical test.
“This is about raising awareness, breaking stigma, and showing what is possible — but also highlighting what still needs to change. Too many people around the world are facing Parkinson’s without the support they need.”
How to support
The public can support the initiative by donating or sharing the campaign:
Fundraising link: https://gofund.me/8d20cbc01
