Welshpool lights up blue to mark World Parkinson’s Day
The Welshpool Community came together to mark World Parkinson's Day as the Town Hall lit up blue on Saturday, April 11. The awareness day celebrates the Parkinson’s community and shows support for people living with the neurological condition.
The local Parkinson's UK Cymru Montgomeryshire Support Group raised more than £648.50 at a Coffee Morning and Information Session on the day itself in the Corn Exchange, with funds supporting the local group for people living with Parkinson's and their carers.
Parkinson’s is on the rise, with 166,000 people currently diagnosed in the UK including around 8,600 in Wales. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is currently no cure. To mark World Parkinson’s Day this year, Parkinson’s UK Cymru encouraged everyone to show their support and Make it Blue, from lighting up buildings to hosting blue bake sales to wearing blue for a day. However people got involved, they helped to raise awareness of Parkinson’s, with every blue hue.
Rachel Williams, Interim Director at Parkinson’s UK Cymru, said: “We are delighted that the Montgomeryshire Support Group based in Welshpool showed its support for World Parkinson’s Day once again, helping us to spread awareness of Parkinson’s. It’s vital that people in Powys and across Wales can continue to live well after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s and are aware of the support available to them both locally and centrally through us as a charity. As well as our groups which are a lifeline for many people with Parkinson’s in their local communities, we also influence decision makers to improve services, support and run fundraising events and have advisers that can offer help wherever you are based.”
Gwyneth Evans, lead volunteer for the Parkinson's UK Cymru Montgomeryshire Support Group added: “We are very grateful to all our generous local supporters. Once again the Corn Exchange was full with everybody chatting, enjoying the coffee and cake and knowing they are helping with the fundraising to run the local group. Our thanks also go to the local businesses who regularly support us with raffle prizes, our members who work so hard on the day and Paul, Operations Manager at Welshpool Town Hall who came out on a very wet blustery night to turn on the ‘Blue lights’ once again. World Parkinson’s Day is about shining a light on the challenges and the support that’s available. By hosting this event on Saturday 11 April, we were able to let people know about activities organised in Welshpool and encourage new members to join us.”
To find out more about the Montgomeryshire Support group contact Gwyneth Evans on 01938 553713.
For information about Parkinson’s UK Cymru, head to the Parkinson’s UK website: parkinsons.org.uk.