The Northants Parkinson's people Management Committee
I am 76 years old, a widower, and until 5/6 years ago I led what I considered a full and active life. Then I was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease and I thought that's it, that's the end.
This is not so and that with the right medication you can enjoy life, you just need someone to show you how, this is what I consider to be one of the aims of this organisation.
As a new charity, we have to find the ways that we can help to make this new organisation a success.
Throughout my adult life I have been interested in providing service to the local community and to this end I became a Rotarian in 1997. Since my wife was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease some three years ago, part of the volunteering I do has been channelled to helping persons with this debilitating condition; hence my involvement with this new charity.
I am Marina, and I was first introduced to Northants Parkinson's People as I helped out during School Holidays at the Fit 'n Fab exercise group. I went there to help out and had such a wonderful time, surrounded by positive, friendly people I thought I ought to try to do more to help. Hence joining this wonderful charity and committee! In my other life, I am an English teacher at a local school in Northamptonshire. I love reading and watching TV/movies and am currently trying to start to be a gardener!
I'm Karen, from Northamptonshire and currently working at Barclaycard. I wanted to be part of this venture after learning more about Parkinson's disease from a good friend of mine. After hearing so many uplifting stories about the good that can come from local and peer support, as well as exercise and group activities, how could I not want to be part of it? I firmly believe we can make a difference in Northamptonshire to anyone affected by this disease, be that the service user, or their family and friends - and I can't wait to be part of it!
I have had links with Parkinson's for more than 40 years when my husband was diagnosed. It has been very important to me that those with Parkinson's and their carers are well supported. During the past year, I have not felt confident that this is happening. I am very pleased that Northants Parkinson's People will be working to restore what was once an excellent support service.