'I seriously regret that now' The heartbreaking reason behind Mike Tindall's latest fundraising adventure

mike tindall heartbreaking reason cycling challenge
(Image credit: Getty)

Mike Tindall has revealed the heartbreaking reason behind his latest fundraising adventure.

The former rugby union player, who is married to the Queen’s granddaughter Zara Tindall (opens in new tab), took to his Instagram feed with a video of him cycling for The Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

A little video of why I’m doing the #raidlocal and why for the @cureparkinsonstrust,’ he wrote alongside the uploaded video.

Massive thanks to @chrishoy1 @iainbalshaw @iamaustinhealey @amyjoywilliams @westwood_lee @gallacherkirsty @shanemwilliams,’ he added, ‘and hopefully @willgreenwood will make a brief appearance! Good luck to everyone on @gozwift and all those on the roads.'

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The Raid Local cycling challenge, in aid of the charity for which the royal is a patron, will see over 100 riders cycle around the world and take on a massive 3700m ascent.

Updating his over 32,000 followers on his progress, he said, "So we've just stopped, we are 85 km in, I believe we are somewhere around halfway of climbing.

“So hopefully we've now got to decide what we do, we've done the loop so we've got to decide whether we do the loop again or climb some hills or do something else…

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"Hope everyone is doing well,” he continued. “Hope everyone who's taking part is having fun. We are trying to keep it all socially distanced, and we've just stopped to refuel and then on the road again. Please donate if you can."

In a video that he shared just days ago, Mike revealed the heartbreaking reason why the challenge is so important to him, saying, "I don't want to see another son or daughter have to go through what I've had to go through with my dad.

“My dad has had Parkinson's for 20 years and I've watched a strong purposeful role model slowly be eaten away by this disease. I probably didn't give it enough respect when he told me he had it… I seriously regret that now."

Aleesha Badkar

Aleesha is a digital shopping writer at woman&home—so whether you're looking for beauty, fashion, health or home buys, she knows what the best buys are at any moment. She earned an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London in 2017 and has since worked with a number of brands including Women's Health, Stylist and Goodto. A year on the w&h news team gained her invaluable insight into where to get the best lifestyle releases first—as well as an AOP awards nomination.