A former professional rugby player, who represented Ireland at under-20 level, has begun an 18,000-mile (30,000km) cycle around the world to raise £50,000 for charity.
Ciaran Booth and his girlfriend Lucy Pickersgill, both 26, set off from Manchester Rugby Club in Stockport and plan to travel through about 30 countries over 18 months.
The challenge was inspired by Ciaran’s mother, Annie Booth, who has Parkinson’s disease, external, and said sport and exercise had helped her both physically and mentally.
Annie said she was “really proud” of the couple and described their journey as “shining a light on what’s possible” for people living with the condition.
Ciaran said his mother had found “loads of strength in community through sport” following her diagnosis, including through the charity Sport Parkinson’s.
He said Sport Parkinson’s encouraged people with the condition to exercise and find support through a community.