news story

3rd May 2007

Raising Awareness of Young Onset Parkinson's Disease

Steve Webb with Karen Rose on the House of Commons Terrace

Northavon MP Steve Webb has added his support to a campaign being led by a local resident to raise awareness of Young Onset Parkinson's Disease.  The MP met South Gloucestershire resident Karen Rose at a reception in the Houses of Parliament in April, as part of the Parkinson’s Disease Society's (PDS) Awareness Week.

Mrs Rose suffers from Young Onset Parkinson's, and as the Young Person's Representative on the PDS Bristol Branch, has been campaigning tirelessly to publicise the condition and to enable fellow sufferers to network together and support one another.  She has appeared on GMTV as well as in the local media, and raised more than £850 by running a "Party for Parkinson's Day".  The money has been donated to a Research Fund set up by the Bristol Branch to help fund future research projects.

In addition, Mrs Rose has been involved in producing a DVD for people newly diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, called "Being There", which is available free from the PDS.

Steve Webb MP said:

"I was delighted to meet Karen at the reception in Parliament and have been very impressed by her commitment and fundraising achievements.

"I am very happy to lend my support to this campaign by Karen and the Society to raise awareness of Young Onset Parkinson's Disease."

Notes:

The Bristol Branch of the PDS is based at the Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol. They meet on the first Saturday of each month from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Contact Jill Ford on 0117 9245442 of jillford@cix.co.uk.

Karen Rose is the Bristol Branch Young Persons Representative and can be contacted on 01454 311415 or mkak.rose@blueyonder.co.uk .

The "Being There" DVD is available free from the Parkinson's Disease Society. Their free National Helpline is 0808 800 0303.