Parkinson's UK Newcastle branch 16-05-2014Catherine McKinnell, MP for Newcastle North, met up recently with representatives from the Newcastle branch of Parkinson’s UK, Matty McGarry MBE (Chair) and Angela Waugh (Secretary).

Matty and Angela briefed Catherine about the charity’s work in the local area, and discussed their campaigns on behalf of people living with Parkinson’s on Tyneside.

The branch, which has around 200 members across Newcastle, Gateshead and parts of North Tyneside and Northumberland, holds regular social events, discussions and drop-in information sessions across the area. They also help to raise much-needed funds for research into the degenerative condition, and towards the provision of specialist Parkinson’s services.

Recent campaigns supported by the branch include Parkinson’s UK’s ‘Get it on time’ campaign – to ensure that the thousands of people with Parkinson’s admitted to hospitals in Britain every year get their medication on time, every time.

Many of these people are in hospital for non-Parkinson’s related reasons, and can find it difficult to receive their regular medication when they need it – making it very difficult to manage their symptoms. This could result, for example, in suddenly not being able to move, get out of bed or walk down a corridor.

Catherine also heard from Matty and Angela about the need for much better understanding of fluctuating conditions, like Parkinson’s, by those making decisions on benefit claims, and about the importance of easily accessible local Parkinson’s services – such as specialist nurses – for people affected by the disease.

The Newcastle branch also participates every year in Parkinson’s Awareness Week, which this year took place from 7-13 April and saw branch members taking part in a range of different events at the Poacher’s Cottage pub in Callerton, as well as holding an awareness-raising stall at the Freeman Hospital.

People can find out more about the branch’s work by contacting Angela Waugh on 0191 295 0467 or [email protected]

Catherine said:

‘Parkinson’s affects an increasing number of people across Newcastle – those diagnosed with the disease, and of course their families, friends and carers.

‘But there still remains a lack of awareness about Parkinson’s and its symptoms, both amongst the general public and medical professionals, which can make life very challenging for those living with the condition.

‘It was really valuable to meet up with Matty and Angela to hear more about their work across Tyneside, and l look forward to continuing to work with them to support local people affected by Parkinson’s.’

Matty McGarry and Angela Waugh commented:

‘It was good to enlist Catherine’s help in raising awareness of the problems of Parkinson’s disease and the many misunderstandings it causes. 

‘Whilst we urgently seek to find a cure and better treatments for those with Parkinson’s, all should be aware that we are here to help and no one should face Parkinson’s alone’.

 

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