Gary’s 2025 Challenge: Finding Strength, Sport and Community in the Face of Parkinson’s
- Team OTC
- Sep 26
- 4 min read
Over the last decade, Gary Shaughnessy has taken on an extraordinary range of challenges — marathons, triathlons, world record endurance events and long-distance cycling among them. But his message to the Parkinson’s community is clear: it doesn’t always have to be about extreme endurance to make a difference.
“Any activity can impact your physical and mental well-being,” Gary explains. “The key is finding something you enjoy and that feels possible. That way, you’re more likely to stick with it and reap the benefits.”
This philosophy lies at the heart of Gary’s 2025 Challenge, an ambitious month-long adventure which sees him take on 30 sports in 30 days, through a huge variety of sports and activities, many of which he had never tried before.
Mr Shaughnessy was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2015 and over the past decade he has raised more than £500,000 for the charity. He came down to The Official Test Centre to try windsurfing as part of his extraordinary charity challenge, but because of lack of wind, he tried Fliteboarding instead.
By Emma Maguire.
A Journey Fuelled by Generosity
Gary has always been struck by the generosity of those who support his efforts. “Over the years I’ve been so impressed by people’s willingness to back the different activities I’ve taken on,” he says.
That generosity continues today: the 2025 Challenge has already raised nearly £24,000, with three months still left to run. Donations can be made through his website, www.GarysChallenges.com, which also charts the full breadth of his activities.
The Shape of the Challenge
The month-long project officially began on 1st September 2025, but Gary couldn’t resist adding an “extra” starter event on 31st August: a two-hour marathon sprint relay. From there, the daily schedule took shape.
“I started with paddleboarding and I’ll be finishing with martial arts,” he says, relishing the variety.
Living with Parkinson’s
Gary’s relationship with Parkinson’s began on 14th February 2015, when he received his diagnosis. The journey had started a couple of months earlier, in December 2014, when he first went to his GP with concerns.
Since then, the condition has inevitably shaped his life. “There are times when it feels unfair or limiting,” Gary admits. “It can erode your confidence, and its unpredictability is one of the hardest aspects. You can feel good in the morning and dreadful by the afternoon.”
But giving up is not an option. “It’s not always easy, but it’s vital. When I was first diagnosed, my wife Janet encouraged me to focus on what I can do, not what I can’t.”
He also credits the inspiration of others. “I’ve met so many incredible people, inside and outside the Parkinson’s community. Without Parkinson’s, I wouldn’t have done many of the things I’ve done or met so many of the people I’ve met. Recognising that good fortune matters.”
New Sports, New Perspectives
One of the joys of the 2025 Challenge has been trying completely new activities. Paddleboarding, pickleball, netball, boxing, pétanque, wheelchair racing, climbing and archery all made the list for the first time.
“It was great to try them all,” Gary says, “and I was really struck by how proud each of the groups I joined were of their sport. Most of the activities also had a social element, which is powerful in itself.”
Among the highlights was a trip to The OTC in Weymouth and Portland with his daughter, Beth. “I’d never tried windsurfing or foil boarding before. The sea was so calm I thought we wouldn’t be able to do anything. A few years ago we probably would have just gone home, but thanks to new technology we were able to try a completely new sport. Fliteboarding. My balance isn’t the best, but I absolutely loved it!”
The experience highlighted unexpected connections between disciplines too. “Pilates, for example, was a real help with my running,” he reflects. “A huge thank you to everyone who set up sessions for me to join.”
Why He Keeps Going
Gary’s motivation to raise money for Parkinson’s research and support is deeply personal, but also outward-looking.
“Of course my own connection plays a part, but I think it goes beyond that,” he says. “I believe there will be a cure — or at least breakthroughs for elements of the condition — and the need to find it is becoming more urgent. In 2025 alone, 20,000 people in the UK will hear the words ‘you have Parkinson’s’.”
He also highlights the shortage of Parkinson’s nurses, which makes access to support something of a postcode lottery. “I’ve seen the benefits of investments in helping people live well, but more needs to be done. It’s also important that people with Parkinson’s are given opportunities to take ownership of their condition. Sport, nutrition, sleep management, the arts and comedy are all ways to look forward, rather than back.”
Memories That Last
As with every challenge he has taken on, Gary has built a treasure chest of memories — and the best ones always involve his family.
At the opening relay event, his sons Daniel and Michael ran alongside him, while Janet, his wife, and his daughter-in-law, Nereece, joined one of the opposing teams. In Weymouth, daughter Beth took to the sea with him, while Janet has been helping him learn to dance.
“Sometimes it’s even the failures that create the family memories,” Gary laughs, recalling the time he fell into the canal on day one of the challenge while attempting paddleboarding.
Looking Forward
From falling in the canal to mastering martial arts, Gary’s 2025 Challenge is about much more than ticking off sports. It’s about resilience, community, and finding joy in the possible.
“I’ve got lots of great memories from this challenge,” he reflects. “But what matters most is showing that there’s always something you can do — and that doing it can change everything.”
Call 07817 717904 if you fancy taking flite with us here at The Official Test Centre. Alternatively you can book online, click here. Come and experience the magic of Fliteboard, feel the sensation of floating above the water.
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