The Trafford branch of a Parkinson’s support charity is celebrating a successful campaign for a Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist in Trafford.

The group is a part of Parkinson’s UK, formerly the Parkinson’s Disease Society of the United Kingdom and the news has come as a big boost.

There are around 400 people in Trafford with Parkinson’s and the group has been campaigning intensively over the last three years. A local petition was signed by 650 people and they’ve received letters of support from local GPs, Consultants and Councillors.

Norma Ashton, Secretary of Parkinson’s UK Trafford branch, said: “Our current membership includes about 10% of Trafford’s people with Parkinson’s and we want to reach the other 90% so that they know we are here should they want our support.”

Also, as a result of increased local awareness, membership for the group has increased and the Trafford branch is now moving to new, larger premises at Timperly Methodist Church for their monthly meetings.

19th - 25th April will be Parkinson’s Awareness Week and on Tuesday 20th, Norma will be at Sainsbury’s in Urmston to speak to anyone affected by Parkinson’s and to answer any questions.

Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological condition and there is currently no cure. Every hour, someone in the UK is told they have Parkinson’s and it can sometimes be a frustrating and isolating experience.

Anyone wanting more information can contact Norma Ashton on 0161 747 9387 or norma.ashton@sky.com.