A FORMER Stretford resident who is suffering from Parkinson's Disease is gearing up for a gruelling charity bike ride.

From February 6, Dave Bailey, 40, will spend eight days cycling 500km from Vietnam to Cambodia in 87 per cent humidity to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.

Before he agreed to do the ride, he hadn't ridden a bike since childhood.

Dave, a former pupil of St Teresa’s Primary School, Stretford, and St Ambrose College, Hale Barns, said:

“I’d never thought of doing anything like this before. It was not on my bucket list.”

Out of 25 cyclists taking part in the challenge, organised by charity expedition specialists, Discover Adventure, nine will be riding for his charity.

Dave, who grew up in Stretford, is so determined to help find a cure, that he has already raised £11,526.85 for research.

He works for ADT Workplace, an office refurbishment company.

“They have been very supportive, as has my wife, Theresa, and all my family,” he said.

He remembers his arm beginning to shake on his 38th birthday and was diagnosed in 2014.

“My firm used their insurance to pay for a private DAT scan which confirmed I had low dopamine which controls movement.”

There is no cure although tablets help.

The Wigan resident gets tired easily and has to renew his driving licence every three years.

A Harley Davidson fanatic, he has promised himself one treat. In Vietnam he hopes to buy a Harley Davidson t-shirt to join his large collection.

“It is what I want more than anything,” he said.

* Donate to virginmoneygiving.com/davidbailey1975.