A Bridlington-based photographer and Parkinson’s sufferer has donated £1,000 to the local branch of Parkinson’s UK.
Tony Pockley handed over the generous amount to the group to help continue its vital work of providing much needed services and support for people living with Parkinson’s – and their carers in the local area.
Having raised the money from the proceeds of some of his stunning photography which features at the First Light Gallery, (housed within Tony’s Waves Chandlery shop on Bridlington Harbour top), he asked that the donation be forwarded to the local branch.
The Scarborough Branch of Parkinson’s UK, which covers the Bridlington area, is run by local volunteers who organise regular meetings, social events and supports memebers in Bridlington, Scarborough, Pickering and Whitby.
Bridlington-based volunteer David Radford explained: “The group runs regular get-togethers which are free of charge and provide invaluable social contact, mental stimulation (through activities like games and quizzes and interesting visiting speakers), plus physical activity classes for people with Parkinson’s and their carers.
“Parkinson’s is a very cruel condition which strips away the ability to live a normal life by removing the ability of the body and brain to function properly. There is no cure for it although research continues in the effort to find one.
“Its symptoms are much more extensive than the “shaky hand” we all think of first. As it gets worse, those affected lose almost all normal bodily movement and can even find it very difficult to swallow or go to the loo.
“Other symptoms like depression, fatigue, loss of all facial expressions, severe difficulties with balance, injuries from falls, physical and mental slowness, complete immobility, loss of speech and whole body tremors arise as the condition takes its hold.”
“Developing exercises that are suitable for those with quite severe Parkinson’s symptoms is top of the list of many other activity issues which are on the Branch agenda.” added David
You can get in touch with the group by emailing hello@scarboroughparkinsons.co.uk
