SIX years ago Keith Lewthwaite was diagnosed with Parkinson's.

But despite this, the 61-year-old is now set to take on his first 10k race — to help the group which has supported him so much since he was first diagnosed.

Mr Lewthwaite, 61, from Horwich, will be lacing up his running shoes to take part in the Great Manchester Run on May 10 for Parkinson’s UK.

He will run a 10k circular route around the city past the iconic sites of the Lowry Centre, Old Trafford, Bridgwater Hall and Manchester Central to raise money for the charity.

He said: “I am supporting Parkinson’s UK because they have helped me tremendously since my diagnosis.

"At first I thought it was the end of the world but they soon showed me that I still had a lot of life to live.

"Now it’s time for me to give something back.”

The Parkinson’s UK team of athletes are part of Team Nurse, who will be running to fund new essential specialist Parkinson’s nurse posts across the UK. Parkinson’s nurses provide help and support to people living with Parkinson’s and their families. The charity estimates that 17,500 people living with the condition do not currently have access to a Parkinson’s nurse.

Paul Jackson-Clark, director of fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Taking part in the Great Manchester Run is a fun and challenging way to raise vital funds to support our work to fund much needed specialist Parkinson’s nurses.

“As the UK’s Parkinson’s support and research charity we’re leading the work to find a cure, and we’re closer than ever. But our work is dependent on donations.

“We are incredibly grateful to Keith, for his support. I hope Keith’s story will inspire others to sign up for one of the other running events that take place during the year.”

Mr Lewthwaite is aiming to raise £1,000 for Parkinson’s UK and the charity's team of 67 runners is aiming to raise £24,000.

To find out more about joining Parkinson’s UK Team Nurse at future sponsored runs visit parkinsons.org.uk/teamnurse or call the events team on 020 7932 1356.

To sponsor Keith visit his online giving page at justgiving.com/Keith-Lewthwaite