The Bath and District branch of the Parkinson’s UK charity has donated £10,000 to help fund vital research into the condition.
Peter Mitchell presents Professor David Dexter with one of the cheques | Photo © Parkinson’s UK
The contribution comes from a series of donations, fundraising at the regular group meetings and gifts made in memory of loved ones.
The branch recently welcomed Professor David Dexter, Director of Research at Parkinson’s UK, who spoke about the condition and current research developments and opportunities.
Peter Mitchell, Chair of the branch, presented David with the first of two cheques totalling a donation of £10,000, and thanked members and volunteers for their fundraising efforts.
Peter said: “Living with Parkinson’s myself and seeing the effect it can have on our members, I know how crucial it is to find a cure and better treatments as soon as possible.
“We are delighted that we can play a part in this and support Parkinson UK’s groundbreaking research.”
To date, Parkinson’s UK has funded over £120 million of research into Parkinson’s and continues to invest in pioneering projects that could slow, stop or reverse Parkinson’s as well as fast tracking new and better treatments.
Professor Dexter said: “With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, and we’re chasing down a cure through pioneering projects.
“Every breakthrough is powered by people who care about Parkinson’s and we are so grateful to the Bath and District branch for presenting the charity with this fantastic donation which will help to continue our vital work and fund life-changing research.
“Together we can find new treatments. And one day, a cure.”
Claire Denby, Local Volunteer Officer, Parkinson’s UK, added: “I’d like to give a huge thank you to the Bath branch for their generous donation. Parkinson’s UK support services and research would not be possible without our fantastic volunteers and supporters.”
Around 153,000 people in the UK have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, including over 5,000 in the Avon and Gloucestershire area.
Parkinson’s UK is the UK’s leading charity supporting those with the condition.
Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s through pioneering research, information, support and campaigning.
The Bath and District branch meets on the third Saturday of each month at Weston Free Church (Moravian Hall), High Street, Bath between 10.30 am – 12 pm and holds regular coffee mornings across the region.
For more information about the Bath and District branch of Parkinson’s UK, including volunteer vacancies, contact Claire Denby on [email protected] or call her on 0207963 3731.
