An avid golfer will play the game for 14 long hours in honour of his uncle and grandad, who both died after suffering with Parkinson's disease.

Joshua Polding, from Bromley Cross, will take on 72 holes of golf at Turton Golf Club on Monday, June 24, walking 20 miles and burning 6,000 active calories throughout the day.

This is in memory of his uncle Terry Tuckwood who died on January 17 this year at age 77 after suffering with the condition.

Joshua’s grandfather, Bill Polding, also died from Parkinson's disease, aged 77, on  January 17 in 2005.

Joshua said: “It is quite emotional as my uncle passed away this year on my mum’s side and so growing up from four-years-old, he was like my grandad because I lost him too, years ago.

(Image: Joshua Polding)

“My bond with him was very strong as we had very similar characteristics and I would go working with him he was a landscape gardener so spent summers with him and my aunty, then he was diagnosed five years ago and we saw him deteriorate.

“It was very strange because my dad’s dad died on the same date in 2005, and it was like the universe was trying to align things and it felt very poignant that it had happened.

“I saw him deteriorate too and so when my uncle got diagnosed, I knew what would happen, so it is extremely important to me to do this.”

Joshua will start at 5am, taking up most of the day but doing something he loves, and will be joined by his dad for two rounds.

He said: “I am a member and have played since four, as my dad taught me from a young age and it is something we both share, so he will play two rounds with me.

“Golf is my passion and my sport, so it felt right to raise money and do a challenge in something that I enjoy.

(Image: Joshua Polding)

“I am a little bit nervous and have been training a bit to keep my levels up, but it is something you want to keep your stamina up for longer periods of time.”

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Family will join Joshua on the day and cheer him on, with seven people playing rounds with him at various times.

Funds raised will go to Parkinson's UK.

Joshua said: “I never expected to get anywhere near what I got and plucked it out of thin air as a solo effort.

“The more I can raise, the better.

“Thanks to people who have donated.”

Donate to the page here. (https://www.justgiving.com/page/joshua-polding-72-holes-golf-for-parkinsons-24062024