Free information event for Bolton residents affected by Parkinson's

For World Parkinson's Day on Thursday, April 11, the local Parkinson's UK support group is holding a free event in Bolton for people who live with Parkinson's or have a connection to the condition. This event will give people with Parkinson's and their loved ones the opportunity to learn more about the condition, different ways to cope with symptoms and information about the support available to them locally whilst enjoying some light refreshments.

People attending the event will have the chance to meet Parkinson's nurses and physiotherapists and to try out activities that can help with managing Parkinson's symptoms, such as Nordic walking. Parkinson's UK Bolton support group will be hosting this event and is in urgent need of new volunteers to ensure the group can continue to support people affected by Parkinson's.

Local residents can come along to learn about the vacant roles and are encouraged to get in touch if they can spare even just a few hours each month to assist with the day-to-day running of the group.

Helen Sturman, area development manager, Parkinson's UK, said: "Being diagnosed with Parkinson's can be a shock and adapting to life with the condition can be hard for the person involved and their loved ones too. But we know that getting the right information and support at the right time can make all the difference.

"That's why we're proud to be able to offer this opportunity to people across Bolton who are living with Parkinson's and look forward to welcoming people to this very special event. It is vital that we can support everyone affected by Parkinson's, so that together, we can move towards everyone with the condition feeling empowered to take back control of their life with Parkinson's."

World Parkinson's Day celebrates the global Parkinson's community and shines a light on the condition and, this year, Bolton is showing its support for people with Parkinson's by lighting up the Town Hall blue. To mark the occasion, Parkinson's UK is encouraging everyone to fundraise, show their support and Make It Blue, from lighting up buildings to hosting blue bake sales to wearing blue for a day.

Further details on how to get involved are available on the website at www.parkinsons.org.uk/make-it-blue. Around 153,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson's, including over 9,000 in Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

Parkinson's UK is the UK's leading charity supporting those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through pioneering research, information, support and campaigning.

The free event is taking place at the Harwood Methodist Church, Longsight, Bolton, BL2 3HW, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm on April 11. For more information and to confirm your attendance, email Helen Sturman at hsturman@parkinsons.org.uk or call 07768 834 115.

Submitted by Parkinson's UK