Former England rugby star Mike Tindall, 41, will cycle over 100 miles this weekend in aid of The Cure Parkinson's Trust, a cause close to his heart as his father has battled the disease for 17 years. The World Cup winner, who now lives in Gloucestershire with his wife Zara and their two daughters, described seeing his father's deterioration as a 'trauma' far greater than any physical challenge he faced on the pitch.
Tindall originally planned to take part in the Raid Alpine event in the French Alps, but due to the pandemic, the challenge has been moved to the UK and renamed 'Raid Local'. He has been training on roads near the Gatcombe Estate, where he lives with his family. The former international recalled a childhood paper round accident when he flew over his handlebars and knocked himself unconscious, saying, 'All I can tell you is that when I came to, it hurt!'
Tindall's father, once captain of Otley rugby club, now weighs barely 8 stone. 'It's about other sons and daughters not having to see their dad go through what I've seen mine go through,' Tindall said, explaining his motivation for supporting the charity. Fans can show their support via the charity's website.
