Failed

It was a long journey up to Mallaig. Leaving London on the Wednesday night and arriving early Thursday afternoon. Mike arrived later in the afternoon and we wandered off to find something to eat. There was a tangible air of excitement and anticipation as folk gathered on the pier waiting to board the boat that was to take us over to Inverie. Boarding the boat I noticed a little difficulty in my coordination. Nothing much, just a slight hesitation in my movement. It happened again when leaving the boat. Something I mentioned to Mike. Leaving Inverie I felt good and the little incident was forgotten. It was a long, steady plod up to Mam Barrisdale. We stopped for a few breathers on the way up, a nibble and a drink. The showers of light rain forecast turned in to a steady downpour Nothing untoward though. Overall I was comfortable and enjoying the walk. Once over the bealach the rain was heavier and the wind was picking up. Descending down the path I was aware I had slowed slightly and Mike was pulling away from me. Moving to step up the pace a little, I suddenly lurched off to one side and my legs buckled under me There was no warning, I just went down. It was a struggle to get back on to my feet. All movement and coordination   where gone. Maybe I ought explain here a little about Parkinson's It is a neurological condition caused by by some of the  nerve cells in the brain dying and not producing a chemical called dopamine.. It can affect balance and coordination. It was a long hard struggle to get down the hill Movement was excruciatingly slow and there  where several more collapses Mike was obviously extremely worried and shepherded me down the hill Collin, another challenger who had passed us earlier, came back to assist. He had ensured there was a space in the bothy and that was where we ended up. It was initially thought it was a case of low blood sugar, in hindsight that was not the problem Low blood pressure, problems with medications and the Parkinson's itself where all contributing factors
Obviously my challenge was over Mike and Colin where so kind and helpful, getting me in to my sleeping bag,providing hot tea and ringing the police Ministering angels.Next morning I was air lifted out to hospital. That was the end of my trip. There is little else to say, there are many questions running through my mind and at the moment I am darned upset by the whole mess.

O