BEER buffs will toast the 13th Bent and Bongs Beer Bash this month -- and the health of all Parkinson's Disease sufferers.
The big Atherton and Tyldesley Round Table event, organised in association with CAMRA, will this year back The Parkinson's Society following the revelation that former Tabler and marathon man John Firth was diagnosed with the disease two years ago.
And despite suffering from the progressive neurological condition the event co-founder, former athlete and councillor has agreed to act as this year's festival chairman.
John, 51, who claims to have invented the festival's name, is keen to highlight the society and boost fund raising.
Leigh-born John, who now lives in Westhoughton, started running after a Round Table bike ride to Paris and has since finished eight marathons and competed in triathlons.
But his racing, riding and competitive dancing days are over, though he still trains at a gym three or four times a week and plays squash.
A former Leigh magistrate and Westhoughton councillor, he said: "My running days came to an end exactly 11 years and 33 days after I started.
"Signs of the disease first showed with a twitching in the second finger of my right hand. My wife, Sandy, realised that film star Michael J Fox had encountered the same symptom and encouraged me to go to the doctor.
"The diagnosis was quite a shock. I thought I was invincible, but discovered I'm not. The best treatment is to keep fit. It is not a life threatening disease, it is a quality of life threatening disease.
"When the Tablers were told of my diagnosis they were brilliant and said they would do all they can to support sufferers through the society.
"The best thing I can say to people is get out and get doing things. Don't lie down and feel sorry for yourself. I have had a fantastic time and I intend to go on having a fantastic time."
John, a business adviser, who also founded the Leigh Badminton League, can't praise the Atherton and Tyldesley Round Table enough.
He said: "I was there at the beginning of the Bash and I am delighted to be this year's chairman. The Table has low membership but a high profile, and their fund raising achievement has been astonishing
The big bash starts at Atherton's Formby Hall at 6pm on Thursday, January 31, and runs through to February 2.
Since the festival began Tablers have raised over £100,000 for good causes.
For the past two years charities looking after critically sick children have been the main beneficiaries, but this year the Parkinson's Disease Society will be the main recipient.
Table spokesman, Paul Barber, said: "Members were recently saddened to hear of John's diagnosis.
"He is still a member of the Atherton and Tyldesley 41 Club , but for the past two years has been getting progressively worse from the effects of the disease.
"He recently decided to tell friends about his diagnosis and to ask for help, not for himself, but for the Parkinson's Society.
"As a result we decided to support it as our main charity, along with other local charities and good causes."
He added: "By supporting the beer festival this year people will be supporting this very worthwhile organisation.
"In fact people don't need to say they're popping out for a pint, they can say they're going to help the Parkinson's Disease Society."
Festival organisers are once again appealing for sponsors.
Its success very much depends on backing from local businesses, and any company who would like to see their name above a barrel can send for a package. They are available from £85 which includes 10 free entrance tickets.
This year's opening hours and prices are Thursday, January 31 6pm to 11pm, £3.50; Friday, February 1 6pm to 11pm £4.50, Saturday, February 2 12pm to 4pm £3, 7pm to 11pm £3.50.
Sessions include food and live entertainment.
Anyone wishing to support the event should contact Steve Kirkham on 07971 856286.
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