LATEST NEWS FROM HEREFORDSHIRE

Kington resident to take on indoor rowing
challenge for Parkinson’s UK

A Kington resident will be rowing a half marathon challenge in the Halo Centre at Hereford Leisure Pool on Saturday February 8 starting at 9.30am, to raise funds for the charity Parkinson’s UK.

Bob North, 70, decided to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK following his own diagnosis in 2023 and wants to raise money to help the charity develop better treatments and potentially a cure for the condition.

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world and currently there is no cure. It affects around 153,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed. There are many symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.

Parkinson’s UK is the largest charitable funder of Parkinson’s research in Europe, leading the way to better treatments and a cure.

Bob said: “I started to notice a tremor back in 2022, and after several visits to the GP and ultimately a Consultant Neurologist I received a diagnosis in 2023.

“Following the diagnosis, I was referred to the NHS Specialist Parkinson’s nurses who introduced me to the work of the Parkinson’s UK charity. I was also fortunate enough to consult Sarah Edwards, a Neuro Physiotherapist who has a special interest in working with people living with Parkinson’s. As a result of those consultations I now understand how important regular exercise is for slowing the progression of the condition and managing symptoms.” 

“I also understand that the key to maintaining the habit of regular exercise is To find something you enjoy doing. Rowing is a great all-round exercise which I enjoyed in my youth. It was, therefore, natural for me to return to the rowing machine as the basis of an exercise regime. So as a direct result of my diagnosis I am leaner, stronger and fitter and the satisfaction I get from achieving the goals I set is a tremendous lift for my mental health.”

I also volunteer with both the National Trust and Wildlife Trust as a countryside ranger, which means a couple of days a week I am working out in the fresh air with a wide range of movement; very important for managing symptoms.

“Since my diagnosis I have learnt of Parkinson’s UK important work funding research into the condition and supporting people living with Parkinson’s and those who support and care for them.
“I am hugely appreciative of the vital work they do and wanted to make my contribution. I hope the money raised by undertaking this challenge will help Parkinson’s UK to carry out even more valuable work.”


“I also hope that my effort will inspire other people living with Parkinson’s to find their own challenge, come forward to tell their own stories about living with Parkinson’s and support the charity Kirsty Berrigan and Rebecca Landolt, Heads of Community Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK said: “We are so grateful to Bob for taking on this incredible challenge for Parkinson’s UK.


“With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough.


“We hope that Bob’s fundraising challenge inspires you to get involved with Parkinson’s UK. There are lots of ways for you to get involved and support us – from volunteering at an event to campaigning for better services. Without the generosity of people like you, our work would not be possible.”

To sponsor Bob visit www.justgiving.com/page/bob-north-
1734975073688.

To find out how to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK
visit parkinsons.org.uk/fundraising.
If you would like to know more about how to start
exercising, or how to progress or prioritise activities
for you on your Parkinson’s Journey, do give us a call at
Sarah Edwards Associates 01432 628 123 or
info@edwardsphysio.co.uk

Northern Soul

An article by Alister Cole

In 2023, My friend Mr. Kev. Alder, promoter and former DJ from Worcester, whom I have known since around 2016, came to me, knowing that I had Parkinson’s, and, I believe, inspired by Soul Ledbury’s continued eagerness to raise money for the charity very kindly offered me a place in his 2nd room at The Hangar, Worcester to hold my Soul event at the same time as his. This milestone event was the eve of Kev’s 70th birthday on Saturday 2nd November. The Hangar, a large splendid venue was, thanks to Kev, free admission but was advertised that donations would be appreciated. So, the result was Worcestershire and Herefordshire combined forces over two rooms for a night of Northern Soul running from 6.30pm Saturday evening until approximately 3.30am Sunday morning. A total of 19 guest DJs gave their time and played for free as well as contributing to the fund. Playing only rare original vinyl records to a large friendly crowd. Everyone had a great time. With the addition of a couple later donations the total amount made on the night was a whopping £880. The highest amount raised by us for Parkinson’s in a single event outside the bounds of Parkinson’s

Molly's Fundraising Efforts!

Good luck and thank you to Chloe Cummings, 13, who is aiming to raise £500 for Parkinson’s UK by taking part in the Cheltenham Inflatable 5K! 

My Dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease a couple of years ago, aged 40. My Dad is an inspiration to me, since his diagnosis, he has done a sponsored walk and a skydive. Now I'm a bit older (13) I would like to help raise money for Parkinsons UK just like him, in the hope that they can find a cure for my Dad and others like him. It's not fair he suffers with this disease, and I want to do what I can to help.

I think this will be a fun activity to do - wish me luck!!

 

You can visit Chloe's fundraising page by clicking the link here.

Boxing for Parkinson's

The City of Hereford Boxing Academy are running taster sessions on Saturday 7th September for people living with Parkinson's! Come along and see how boxing can benefit you.

Hinton Football Club Charity Sports Day supports Parkinsons UK

We are thrilled that Hinton Football Club have chosen to support Parkinsons UK at their annual charity sports day on 

Saturday 27th July 

10am - 4pm 

at Hinton FC, HR8 0LQ

There will Petanque, a blacksmith display, dance fitness, darts and football all on offer, alongside refreshments. We will also be there with information about how Parkinson's Herefordshire can be of help to you. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla euismod condimentum felis vitae efficitur. Sed vel dictum quam, at blandit leo.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla euismod condimentum felis vitae efficitur. Sed vel dictum quam, at blandit leo.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla euismod condimentum felis vitae efficitur. Sed vel dictum quam, at blandit leo.

World Parkinson's Day - 11th April 2024

On this year's World Parkinson's Day we saw both Hereford Town Hall and the big dish at Madley Earth Station lit up in support of those in Herefordshire living with Parkinson's.

Further afield, on the same day, the Parky Charter was taken to 10 Downing Street. 

The Parky Charter is a list which describes five things that people affected by Parkinson’s need from the government.  These include:

  1. Speedy Specialists
  2. Instant Information
  3. Parkinson's Passport
  4. Comprehensive Care
  5. Quest for a Cure

To find out more, or to show your support and sign the charter click the button below! 

 

We need your consent to load the translations

We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.