NVM Private Equity Executive, Norman Yarrow, who looks after NVM’s AIM portfolio and unquoted investment activity in Scotland will commence an epic 215 mile walk along the Southern Upland Way starting on 21 April 2015, so far raising over £140,000 for Parkinson’s UK and The Cure Parkinson’s Trust.
Norman, 55 from Gifford, East Lothian was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013 following surgery to remove a tumour from his right lung and now is on a mission to raise a new target of £150,000 for the two charities after his initial target of £100,000 was speedily overtaken.
He said: “I hope the funds I raise will make a real difference to people living with Parkinson’s. I’m immensely gratified by the support of friends and family, and the support I have been given gives me hope for the future and is very much appreciated”.
The gruelling walk which has been named ‘Norman’s Conquest’ will see Norman accompanied by Gavin Hastings, Scottish rugby and Lions legend, friends and family and many other supporters and will see the group walking for two weeks, and several colleagues from NVM will be joining in the challenge including Alastair Conn, NVM’s Financial Director, who will be talking on the entire challenge, and NVM Chairman Tim Levett who will also be accompanying Norman for a section of the journey.
Tim Levett of NVM said: “At NVM we are proud to be supporting Norman on what he is undertaking, and personally it will be an honour to walk with him for a portion of his challenge. What he has managed to achieve not only in fundraising for these incredible charities but his determination in all things is inspirational”.
The walk has been generously supported by Elddis, who are providing Norman and Gavin with the use of an Elddis Encore. This top of the range Elddis motorhome will provide some much needed luxury and a small oasis at the end of each arduous day.
The group will commence on 21 April from Portpatrick in the South West of Scotland and will continue to Cocksburnspath, to the South of Dunbar, where the challenge will aim to end on 4 May with a well-earned celebratory dinner back home in Gifford.
Denise McNiven, Scotland Fundraising Manager at Parkinson’s UK commented, “I’d like to say thank you and good luck to Norman, and everyone embarking on Norman’s Conquest in support of Parkinson’s UK. It is only with the incredible support of amazing people like Norman that we can continue our work”.
Tom Isaacs President and Co-Founder at The Cure Parkinson’s Trust said: “Norman Yarrow doesn’t just live with Parkinson’s he actively defies it. By undertaking this walk across the width of Scotland he is demonstrating his determination to raise significant funds which are so desperately needed to progress new research which could lead to a breakthrough. At the Cure Parkinson’s Trust, we have a number trials on treatments which we believe, one day soon, could slow, stop, perhaps even reverse Parkinson’s. Norman’s Conquest will ensure that these studies are accelerated and will inspire others to adopt the same proactive attitude to their illness.”
You can still support Norman’s Conquest and help Norman to reach his new target of £150,000 by sponsoring him here. The money raised will allow the work of these two fantastic charities to continue and to help move forward to changing the lives of those who live with Parkinson’s. Follow Norman’s journey by following along with his blog.
-ENDS-
NOTES TO EDITORS
Attachment: Photos of Norman can be downloaded from https://nvm.co.uk/prphotos/
NVM Private Equity is independently owned with 30 years’ experience of investing in unquoted UK businesses. NVM is a generalist investor, managing £300 million of funds, and is differentiated by having executives living and working in regional business communities throughout the UK. NVM seeks investment opportunities of between £2 million and £10 million in UK businesses which have the right mix of growth potential and market vision. They may be looking to grow organically, acquire another business or secure a management buy-out. www.nvm.co.uk
For further information please contact:
Charlotte Mitchell (NVM: PR & Marketing) 0118 951 7017 charlotte.mitchell@nvm.co.uk
Norman Yarrow (NVM: Executive and Norman’s Conquest Organiser) 0783 145 6764 norman.yarrow@nvm.co.uk
http://www.cureparkinsons.org.uk/
http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/
