Latest news with #WalkforParkinson's
Leader Live
09-07-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Alyn Waters Country Park event to fund Parkinson's care
Peter Pritchard, from Rhos, who lives with Parkinson's, alongside his wife Joan, their children and grandchildren, joined the other walkers to take part in Wales' recent annual Walk for Parkinson's event in Alyn Waters Country Park, Wrexham. Attendees had the choice of a 1.7 mile or 6 mile route and it was the first time the annual walk fundraiser was held in North Wales. The charity is set to raise more than £22,000 in total from its Walk for Parkinson's event, which will help fund specialist Parkinson's care in Wales and across the UK. Read more: 'Speechless and over the moon' hospice patient gets Wrexham AFC surprise In the UK, 166,000 people have a diagnosis of Parkinson's, including about 8,300 in Wales. Parkinson's is on the rise. In the UK today, someone is diagnosed every 20 minutes. There are more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety. Peter said: "It's fantastic that the walk was held here in North Wales for the first time. Hopefully it won't be the last as it was great to see so many people turning out to support such a great cause. After my Parkinson's diagnosis, my wife and I decided to carry on as best as we could. Joan and I walk everyday, meet friends for coffee and cake or lunch, pick the grandchildren up from school and spend as much time as we can in our caravan in Dinas Dinlle outside Caernarfon." Read more: Wrexham baby charity's milestone with 300th hamper Joan added: "Our initial target was £250 but to date we have raised a staggering £1,400. It was a good opportunity for the family to get together to support a worthwhile cause and in doing so, support taid (grandad). The boys thoroughly enjoyed the day and were delighted that Max was the first dog back and received a medal. It also made them realise the extent of the condition which up to then was the question 'Why has Taid (Grandad) got a shaky hand?'." Keri McKie, community fundraiser for Wales at Parkinson's UK Cymru, said: "I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in Walk for Parkinson's in Wrexham and made it such a special event. Whether you walked, donated, volunteered or got involved in any other way, you've supported our Nurse Appeal, raising money to fund specialist Parkinson's care in Wales and across the UK. Read more: Wrexham man told he had 5 years to live before 9 stone weight loss completes 3 Peaks "We hope this event will inspire others to support Parkinson's UK Cymru. There are lots of ways for you to get involved - from volunteering at an event, to campaigning for better services. Without the generosity of people like you, our work would not be possible." • To find out more about fundraising for Parkinson's UK please visit: A family from Rhosllannerchrugog, near Wrexham have raised more than £1,400 for Parkinson's UK, with the charity set to raise more than £22,000 in total from its Walk for Parkinson's event which will help fund specialist Parkinson's care in Wales and across the UK.
Leader Live
23-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Long waiting times fallen by two-thirds over four months
MS for Wrexham Tackling waiting times is a priority for the Welsh Government and this was exemplified last week when an additional £120m package of support was announced to enable the NHS to build on the progress made to date. Long waiting times have fallen by two-thirds over the last four months and the Welsh Government is determined to deliver a stronger, more sustainable NHS for the people of Wales. The new funding will result in even more patients having faster access to treatment, with the overall size of the waiting list reduced by 200,000 and all two-year waits eliminated entirely by March 2026. This positive trend is reflected in North Wales with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) confirming that since the turn of the year, the number of patients waiting more than two years for treatment reduced from 10,070 in December 2024 to 5,747 in March 2025, an improvement of 43%. While there is still work to do, we are heading in the right direction. It is often the negative stories that garner the most attention but it is right to publicise the successes and pay tribute to the hardworking staff who regularly go above and beyond the call of duty. Recently, in the Senedd, I was pleased to highlight the exceptional work of BCUHB staff following correspondence I received from constituents praising the treatment and care they received. Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Race for Life at Alyn Waters Country Park. I had the pleasure of kicking off the race by sounding the starting horn and also handed out medals at the finish line. The weather was glorious and the atmosphere was uplifting. Organisers were confident of raising £35,000 and I wish to thank all the runners who signed up and helped raise valuable funds for Cancer Research UK. Alyn Waters is the place to be this weekend too with the Walk for Parkinson's scheduled to take place on Saturday (28 June). It's the first time this annual event has been held in North Wales and Parkinson's UK is encouraging people to sign up. The event consists of 2 walk options, a shorter, fully accessible 1.7-mile route or a longer more challenging 6-mile route. There is a large population of people living in North Wales with Parkinson's, and as the fastest growing neurological condition, this is set to grow further. There is an active support group in Wrexham and participating in the Walk for Parkinson's will make a difference to not only those affected by Parkinson's in Wrexham, but across North Wales. Further information can be found on the Parkinson's UK Cymru website. If you're a constituent in Wrexham and there is an issue I could help you with, please contact me via email: or call 01978 355743.
Leader Live
04-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Clwydian Range hike carrying fridge freezer for Hope House
To honour a family bet made last year with Vicky, on Sunday May 31, Matt set off on a 70-mile hike across the Clwydian Range with a 90lb fridge freezer strapped to his back. Speaking of the incredible trek, ex-Marine Matt said: "I had to go deeper than ever before and take myself back to Commando training 23 years ago. "My whole body was screaming, and I hit breaking point early on after a fuelling error. Support for Matt Jones during his children's hospice fundraiser. "In the toughest moments, it was Vicky's voice through our four children that was telling me: 'You've got this, be you'." Vicky had been a passionate supporter of Hope House Tŷ Gobaith children's hospices, which has bases in Oswestry and Conwy, so Matt decided to start a tribute fund for the hospices in her memory and use the bet as a spur for fundraising. The bet came about last September when Matt was recovering in hospital after a total hip replacement operation. Read more: Matt said: "The surgeon was telling me I had to slow down. "Vicky was sat in the corner laughing whist telling the surgeon, 'You might as well talk to a brick wall'. "She then told the surgeon: 'Knowing this idiot he will try and complete it again with a fridge on his back'. "I replied: 'I will do it twice, with a fridge freezer on my back'. "Smiling and laughing whist shaking her head, Vicky said: 'You've got yourself a bet Mr Jones'." Matt Jones during his fundraiser in memory of his wife Vicky. The 42-year-old, who keeps himself fit by playing rugby, added: "The wind on parts of the route made the fridge freezer like a sail. "With the team by my side, we didn't stop. By the three peaks at Moel Fferna, it was all or nothing. "The distance in this wasn't the issue, it was the 15,000ft of elevation. Read more: Optician Dawn set sights on half marathon charity fundraiser "We crossed Vivod as a team and came into Llangollen surrounded by family and friends with two hours to spare on our 36 hour limit. "This challenge was never about fitness. It was about honouring a promise to my kids and keeping Vicky's spirit alive. "Vicky's mantra was: 'You are the only you, own it, rock it, feel it, embrace it, love it, and be it… be you!'. "Thank you to everyone, family, friends, supporters, I could not have done it without you. Especially Rich, Rob and Simon - the best support and pitstop crew I could have asked for. Read more: Every moment matters - Wrexham hospice launch funding campaign "We raised a lot of money for Hope House and if it inspired you even a little bit, then we've done our job." Hope House Tŷ Gobaith fundraiser Vicky Bradbeer, said: "Wow! We are lost for words with Matt and his team's effort. "What an incredible challenge and the most beautiful of tributes to Vicky and example to his children who must be extremely proud. Read more: Man living with condition urges people to join him at Wrexham's Walk for Parkinson's "It's an amazing amount of money that has been raised and will go directly to providing free professional nursing and respite care to local children and families living with a life-threatening condition. "Thank you so much to everyone involved and to those who have so kindly donated and supported Matt with this unbelievable challenge" • It's not too late if you would like to donate, visit online at: You can follow Matt on social media: Instagram: @fridge_freezer_man or Facebook: Fridge freezer man
Leader Live
03-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Residents urged to Walk for Parkison's this summer
David Finlay, 74, a retired police officer, is set to take part in his first Walk for Parkinson's just months after being diagnosed with the condition. David will be walking alongside his wife Lesly, as they take on the event at Alyn Waters Country Park, Wrexham, on Saturday June 28 - which will be the first time it has ever been held in north Wales. David received his diagnosis in January this year, a moment that he recalls as being a huge shock to him and his family. But rather than sit still, David is determined to stay active, raise awareness and give back to Parkinson's UK. He said: 'I was completely floored by the diagnosis. But within days, I found myself signing up to the walk as a way of channelling the shock into something positive. Taking part has helped me feel in control again.' David and Lesly will be taking part in the shorter, fully accessible 1.7 mile route as they both manage ongoing health conditions as David also lives with angina, and Lesly lives with a brain tumour (pituitary adenoma). David added: 'Lesly and I believe in staying active - it's the word that keeps popping up for us. We're part of a Parkinson's UK Zoom group and have met so many great people going through similar things. "We're not going to let this condition define us. It's not easy, but doing something - anything - helps. This walk felt like a natural step for us.' TOP STORIES TODAY To find out more about Walk for Parkinson's and to sign up to walk or volunteer visit: or email: walk@ Originally from Chester, David, has spent decades fundraising for a number of causes as a Freemason and former Round Tabler. Even in retirement, he continues to raise money for charity through his two seasonal roles; as a historical mill guide during the summer and as a professional Father Christmas during the festive season. David and his wife Lesly as Mr and Mrs Claus to raise money for charity. (Image: Parkinson's UK) David said: 'I donate 75% of everything I raise through both roles to charity, and Parkinson's UK is now part of that. It feels right to put my energy into something that's directly helping people like me and Lesly.' Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, affecting 153,000 people across the UK including around 8,300 in Wales, but thousands of them currently don't have access to the care they vitally need. Walk for Parkinson's is Parkinson's UK's flagship series that this year is aiming to raise vital funds to improve access to specialist Parkinson's care across the UK. Keri McKie, Community Fundraiser for Wales at Parkinson's UK Cymru, said: 'David and Lesly's story is an inspiring reminder of how powerful it can be to stay connected and keep moving, even in the face of a life-changing diagnosis. We're so grateful to them for taking part and sharing their story. 'Last year's Walk for Parkinson's in Wales raised more than £27,000 thanks to the amazing 300 people who took part. This year, we're excited to bring the event to north Wales for the very first time, and we'd love to see even more people step up to help fund the specialist care and support that's urgently needed.'
Glasgow Times
25-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Chatelherault walk aims to boost Parkinson's support
The charity has launched its biggest-ever fundraiser, the Nurse Appeal, aiming to raise £9 million to fund specialist nurses and improve care for people living with Parkinson's across the UK. The walk, which is part of the charity's Walk for Parkinson's series, will take place at Chatelherault Country Park on June 7 and is open to people of all ages and abilities. (Image: Supplied) The charity said that more than 30,000 people with the condition currently lack access to specialist care. The Nurse Appeal aims to secure essential initial funding over the next three years to create new nurse posts and specialist roles, as well as provide training and education for healthcare professionals. Dougray Scott, an actor and supporter of Parkinson's UK, said: "Parkinson's is a degenerative and incurable neurological condition and people living with it, and their loved ones, rely on vital support from specialist nurses and other healthcare professionals. "Sadly that support simply isn't available for thousands of people and that has to change. (Image: Supplied) "I'm proud to support Parkinson's UK and its Nurse Appeal, and I urge people to kindly donate what they can. "Together, we can help secure specialist Parkinson's care for the thousands more people who urgently need it." Mr Scott's father lived with the condition for many years. Also supporting the appeal is Parkinson's UK ambassador and former Sky Sports presenter Dave Clark, who was diagnosed with the condition at 44. He said: "I have been living with Parkinson's for over 14 years, but it still doesn't define me. "I'm determined to stay positive and embrace life. "Join me and thousands of others taking part in Walk for Parkinson's. "Every step we take together helps support people living with Parkinson's." He has raised more than £200,000 through his fundraising walks alone. It costs £12 to sign up for Walk for Parkinson's, with a suggested sponsorship target of £100 per person. All walkers will receive a fundraising pack and an exclusive Walk for Parkinson's t-shirt to wear on the day. To sign up or volunteer, go to or email walk@
