363 walkers took part in their local Walk for Parkinson’s event at Mote Park in Maidstone, raising more than £20,000 for Parkinson’s UK. All the money raised will go towards the charity’s new Nurse Appeal, which is aiming to raise £9m to fund Parkinson’s nurses and other specialists.
Parkinson’s specialists are a lifeline for the 153,000 people in the UK living with Parkinson’s, but currently more than 30,000 people with the condition lack access to them.
The nationwide shortage in specialists plus a lack of understanding of Parkinson’s among other health and care professionals means that around 1 in 5 people with the condition are missing out on the expert care they desperately need.
As part of the Walk for Parkinson’s event, attendees had the opportunity to take part in non-contact boxing demonstrations delivered in partnership with England Boxing.
The initiative aims to train more instructors and coaches to deliver non-contact boxing sessions tailored for people living with Parkinson’s. Walking football sessions were also available for participants to try.
The event was attended by councillor Brian Clark, deputy mayor of Maidstone Borough Council, who greeted volunteers and showed his support for the community-led health and wellbeing initiatives.
The walk was also sponsored by Nesbit House Care Home, located in the village of Badgers Mount, Orpington.
The home offers high-quality residential, nursing, dementia, and respite care for older people from across Kent.
James Beeching, community fundraiser – South East at Parkinson’s UK, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in Walk for Parkinson’s at Mote Park, as well as all the volunteers who made the event possible.
“Around 153,000 people in the UK are living with Parkinson’s, including approximately 3,760 people in Kent.
“The amazing efforts of everyone who took part in Walk for Parkinson’s will help us provide initial funding for new Parkinson’s nurses and other specialists people with Parkinson’s urgently need.”
Parkinson’s UK is the charity that’s here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way.
For information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.
To find out more about fundraising for Parkinson’s UK please visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraising
Location: Maidstone in Kent
