'Keep fit' Parkinson's sufferer opens Mansfield shop to restore retro bikes

Brian Hall, 63, granddad of two has cycled for 45 years and is telling other Parkinson sufferers "not to dwell" on the disease and to stay active.

Parkinson's disease is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system.

In Brian's case it affects his walking by causing him to shake.

Now two years off retiring Brian has opened up his own shop selling and fixing bikes.

Even selling retro racing bikes from the 70's and 80's.

He has signed a 12-month lease on a shop on Chesterfield Road North, Pleasley, which he runs around his other job as a minibus driver taking an autistic girl to school and back.

Brian who lives on Brisbane Close, Mansfield Woodhouse said: "Really cycling has kept Parkinson's at bay, I take eight tablets a day, but my specialist has told me to keep doing what I am doing.

"Getting to service bikes is fantastic, I have cycled all of my life and I know a bike from back to front.

"To anyone who has Parkinson's don't dwell on it stay active.

"I never stay still - I have to keep active."

The shop which Brian has named 'Mansfield Cycles Uk in Pleasley' after working part-time for Mansfield Cycle UK on Maun Close, Mansfield.

Dotted around the shop are jerseys from the Tour de France and a jersey from legendary sprinter Jean Paul Van Poppel.

In 2015 the cyclist joined a team of eight friends and relatives to tackle a tough eight-mile Alp D’Huez stage of the classic cycle route.They raised £3,000 for charity.

The shop is open every day except Wednesday and Sundays and has been trading since February.