BRAVE Parkinson's sufferers gave a talk to schoolboys on their condition and were overwhelmed when the youngsters raised £50,000 to help.

Alan Harvey, from Portland, and Martin Phipps, who lives near Winterborne Stickland, told of their battle against the disease after being invited to Sherborne School in March.

But the duo were shocked after being invited back for an assembly to be presented with the £50,000 cheque after the boys spent their summer raising cash for the local branches of the Parkinson's Disease Society.

Former submariner Mr Harvey, 57, who lives in Reap Lane, Portland, with wife Sue, said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw how much they had raised and I just burst into tears.

"It was a very delightful shock as I didn't expect them to raise that much money.

"The pupils, their tutors and parents have put so much effort in and I can't thank them enough.

"It should really help transform the lives of people with Parkinson's Disease in this area."

Pupils raised the staggering amount in six months by holding such sponsored events as sailing dinghies around the Isle of Wight and cycling from John O'Groats to Land's End.

The 572 pupils undertook more than 70 challenges for the charity as part of their Lent Term challenge.

Pupils demanded that Mr Harvey and Mr Phipps be present when the presentation was made to television archaeologist Julian Rich-ards on behalf of the society.

But the amount - the single largest raised by pupils and the biggest donation to the society in Dorset - was kept secret as a surprise to pupils and the two men.

Former graphic designer Mr Phipps, 60, whose partner is Mary Fox, said: "It was an incredible amount.

"The emphasis will be on help locally."

Ideas for its uses in Dorset include respite care, exercise classes, therapy, physio sessions and transport.

There are about 200 members of the Weymouth and Dorchester branch, and 150 in Bridport, but organisers want more people with the condition to come forward to take advantage of the help on offer.

The disease is a progressive chronic neurological disorder caused by the lack of a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain.

It is thought to hit older people, but one in 20 people diagnosed are under the age of 40.

Patients suffer such symptoms as tremors, rigidity, slowness and poverty of movement. They also are less expressive, use less gestures and may have trouble with balance, walking, speaking, chewing, swallowing and writing, although their mental faculties are intact.

Famous sufferers include Michael J Fox, the Pope and Muhammad Ali.

Hilary Morley, who has been involved with the Weymouth and Dorchester branch for 17 years, and society community support worker Susanne Tucker, added their thanks to the school.

Call 01935 815338 and 0808 800 0303 for confidential help and advice, and to join the society.