A COUPLE made nearly �600 from a wine and cheese evening, as part of a wider campaign to raise awareness and money for Parkinson’s UK.

Roddy Lee, 55, from Letchworth GC, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago, and has been on a fundraising mission with his wife Caroline ever since.

In just 18 months, they have raised nearly �18,000, and are aiming to make that �20,000 by the end of the year.

“When I was diagnosed with the condition, my main concern was not to feel sorry for myself but raise as much money and awareness as I could,” said Roddy.

“If you can have a personal goal which people can respect, it gives more of a personal involvement.”

The wine and cheese evening was held at Waitrose in Hitchin, where a free champagne reception was laid on for 50 guests.

There were different wines and cheeses on offer to sample during the evening, some of which were provided free by the supermarket, with tills kept open later than usual so guests could buy the ones they enjoyed most.

The event also included a raffle, with a variety of prizes from local businesses up for grabs.

“It was a fantastic evening, a real success, and we’ve had so many people ask us to do it again,” said Roddy.

The fundraising continues next month, when Roddy and Caroline are to complete an eight-day trek in the Himalayas, reaching dizzy heights of 10,000ft and walking between 10 and 15km a day.

Roddy has vowed that after the trek, he will continue his fundraising efforts for as long as possible, setting a target of �10,000 each year.

“I’ve started to look at ways to raise money next year, and one thing that stood out was a bike ride in Cuba,” said Roddy.

“As long as I can, I will do everything I can to fight the condition, and continue to raise awareness and money.”

To donate money to Roddy’s cause, please visit www.justgiving.com/RoddyandCarolineLee-TrekNepal2010.