A TALENTED musician fighting a debilitating illness has embarked on a gruelling charity trek.

Parkinson's Disease sufferer Ron Goodall, of Haxby, York, hit the long road in high spirits when he started the Coast-to-Coast hike.

Over a ten-day spell, the 65-year-old former postal worker is due to cover 190 miles, with pal and Royal Mail driver Bob Holding.

Ron's wife, Julie, told the Evening Press her hiker husband and Bob left York on Friday - and they were both keen to deliver a first-class performance.

She said: "They both got off all right and they're due back on Bank Holiday Monday.

"Their bags were heavy, but they left in good spirits."

Julie said this was Ron's first big walk since being diagnosed with Parkinson's, but she said he had put in plenty of practice and was well prepared.

A music night at the Victoria Vaults pub, Nunnery Lane, York - held as a send-off for Ron - raised £1,000 for charity last Wednesday.

The Evening Press reported in April that guitarist Ron starred in a Day In The Life-style musical film shot in schools and charting his struggle against Parkinson's Disease.

Updated: 08:45 Tuesday, May 25, 2004