Longford walk fundraiser will gather money to support people battling incurable disease

A series of walks will take place nationwide on Saturday, April 11 next at 11am to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), an incurable progressive neurological disorder which affects an estimated 18,000 people in Ireland and also fundraise for vital services.

Parkinson’s branches nationwide, including Longford's one, are funded solely by voluntary donations.

The Longford branch of Parkinson’s Ireland will hold its ‘Walk in the Park’ event in the Mall, Longford on April 11 next and the branch would be delighted if people could support them by joining them for an enjoyable walk and refreshments.

The number of people affected by Parkinson’s Disease (PD) iin Ireland is projected to double to 36,000 by 2050.

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There is currently no cure for Parkinson's although there have been advances in knowledge and treatments for the condition

PD is a progressive neurological condition which causes a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms. It can be described as increased difficulty with motor skills: tremors, slowness of movement, decreased muscle tone and progressive rigidity.

However, there are now believed to be more than 40 symptoms related to Parkinson’s, and not everyone with the disease experiences the same combination of symptoms.

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Parkinson’s Ireland (PI) provides a range of services and supports, both locally and nationally to people living with PD, their families and care partners.

This year’s walk is sponsored by Ireland’s leading home care provider Dovida and takes place in 21 locations across the country to kick off Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

For the full story see next week's Longford Leader