I am thrilled that Parkinson's UK has been chosen as Reading's local charity partner. It is especially meaningful to me to raise funds for the West Reading branch, as it was local to my uncle, who sadly passed away from Parkinson's disease. The money we raise will support these vital services, ensuring they can continue to help those affected by the disease in the future.

Thank you once again!

Jake Lillis

Parkinson’s UK Newbury and District Branch

The diagnosis of Parkinson's might leave the individual and families bewildered so we encourage the person with Parkinson’s (PwP) to participate in the therapies we offer through trained therapists. It has been proven that exercise helps manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Through our arrangements, PwP’s are able to attend the West Berkshire Therapy Centre in Thatcham twice per week - this is a fantastic facility where you can have a bespoke exercise regime at a time to suit you. We also provide sessions of weekly Balance and Flexibility exercises in Thatcham, Yoga in Newbury and Nordic Walking in Newbury. These exercise sessions as well as fortnightly Singing and Dance classes and a monthly online Speech Therapy session are all provided at very low cost, heavily subsidised through our charitable fundraising during the year.

The branch also offers opportunities for mutual support on regular days each month with a regular newsletter detailing times and venues. These give the chance to enjoy social events, whilst meeting in a friendly and supportive atmosphere and share experiences with other people with Parkinson’s. Isolation and loneliness are key issues for some PwP.

We raise money to fund these sessions and also to send some money to Parkinson’s UK charity to support research into the medical aspects of Parkinson’s. So your support during this year will be greatly appreciated.

We have a few events through the year to raise awareness of the condition, most recently at our Party in the Park to mark World Parkinson’s Day. Your involvement in the fundraising events you run during the year will also help to raise awareness of the condition, how to manage it and how we help those in West Berkshire and surrounding areas.

To find out more please visit their website: https://www.newburyparkinsons.org.uk/

We’re committed to giving back and making a difference to our local communities which is why we’re taking part in the RSM Together challenge.