Kilrea Flower Show organisers hand over £1,000 donation to Parkinson’s charity

PICTURED ABOVE: Kilrea WI Flower Show committee members: Front: Evelyn Kelso (Treasurer), Nicola McClure (Community Fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK in N. Ireland), Maud Steele (Chairperson) Back row: Margaret Hanna  (President of Kilrea WI), Ann Laughlin (Secretary), Elizabeth Moon (Vice-Chairperson).

Members of Kilrea WI Flower Show committee recently presented a cheque for £1,000 to Parkinson’s UK in Northern Ireland.

The money was raised over recent months from a Fireside Quiz, a Table Quiz held in the Old Point Inn, Kilrea, and donations from Maud Steele’s Afternoon Tea Party.

The committee members are very grateful to the local community for its continued support and are hoping to organise more  fundraising events later in the year.

Every year another 1,500 people will be diagnosed with Parkinson's across the UK. That's about 30 people each week. About half of people live with more advanced Parkinson's. This means symptoms are complex and medication does not manage them effectively. Parkinson's affects people of any age. 

A small team works with over 100 volunteers based in communities across Northern Ireland working together to improve the lives of people with Parkinson's and those who love and care for them. There are 10 groups in Northern Ireland providing friendship and support for people in the Parkinson’s community and developing accessible local resources that people with Parkinson's need to live well with the condition. Resources like physical activity and exercise, singing groups, cafe meet-ups and creative activities are on offer.

On the frontline are Parkinson's advisers, who work in communities across the country to provide free and confidential information and support, and providing access to the right information on social security and other entitlements. Self-management courses are offered online to help people with Parkinson's and carers increase their resilience and knowledge about the challenges that Parkinson's brings.

The charity is always grateful for donations and support for their fundraising. Thanks to everyone who helps in any way to make life easier for those with Parkinson’s and their families.