It all started back in June when our singing group "Just Quintessential" decided to donate the the proceeds from out first concert to charity. I suggested the Parkinson's Disease Society as I know through my work as a physiotherapist, how devatating this disease can be both to the people affected and their families and carers.

Sarah, a friend and fellow singer, had a Mum with the disease so the decision was made. What I hadn't bargained on, was that the idea would grow wings of it's own and within days I found that I had registered to Trek Peru 2008. Sadly, Sarah's Mum died last December but this strengthened our resolve to raise as much money as possible for PDS. 

We are very excited at the prospect of joining this demanding trek, covering 12-15km a day over 8 days. We'll walk uneven paths with steep climbs, exploring unknown valleys and neglected ruins away from the hustle and bustle of the main Inca Trail, before finally reaching our destination of Machu Picchu.During this tough physical challenge, we'll focus on raising as much money as possible for the Parkinson's Disease Society; hopefully £7000 between us.

The costs of the trek are being met by private, independent means, so every penny of the donations pledged will go directly to the PDS to help further research, fund specialist nurse posts and many other projects to the benefit of all PD patients.

Our last concert was on Saturday 6th September when a delighted and appreciative audience came to listen to us sing a light programme of opera and show songs in Lockerley Church. It was a pleasant, fine evening after all the rain and we raised £680 for PDS which has helped us get closer to our fund raising target. Our concert in Braishfield Church on a pleasant sunny evening on14th June raised a further £322.22.

"Just Quintessential"s concert on Saturday 9th February 2008 at All Saints Church, Houghton raised an amazingly generous £512 when a  hardy audience braved a cold winter's night to hear us sing an eclectic mix of songs from the shows, light opera and sacred music.

We made a magnificent £350 at the Charities Fair on 17th November in the Crosfield Hall, Romsey  - thanks to all who contributed goods and came and plyed us with hot coffee on a miserable, wet November day.

Our concert in Rownhams last October raised £289; entertaining at a private party in December raised a further £341 so we are singing our way to our goal!

Thank you for visiting my web page. I'll try to update it regularly and give progress reports on the success of our events as we strive to reach our goal.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Parkinson's Disease Society will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. That's an astonishing £2.80 for every £10 given.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.

Jean

p.s. 11/01/09 Trek Peru has now been completed - what a thrilling experience it all was! I'm sure many of you will by now have been subjected to the DVD and my own varied monologue with, for the lucky few, a rendition of the song we wrote high in the Andean mountains. Especially heartwarming is the knowledge that my efforts and those of all my singing pals in JQ, I have raised an astonishing £5,149.22. My thanks and love to you all. Jx