Offaly Parkinson's Society to host ‘A Walk in the Park for Parkinson’s’ in Tullamore

PEOPLE across Offaly are being encouraged to support Parkinson’s Ireland this April for Parkinson’s Awareness Month, as the charity launches its “Meds on Time, Every Time” campaign, highlighting the crucial role medication timing plays in managing Parkinson’s Disease for the estimated 18,000 people living with the condition in Ireland.

The campaign will run alongside the charity’s nationwide fundraising event, ‘A Walk in the Park for Parkinson’s’, taking place in Offaly and 20 other locations on Saturday, April 11.

The walk will take place in Tullamore town park from 11am to 1.30pm and will be offiicially opened by Deputy John Clendennen.

Last year about 60 people took part in the event, revealed the Chairperson of Offaly Parkinson's Society, Stephanie Connor.

After the walk participants are invited for refreshments in the Central Hotel, kindly sponsored by Dovida.

All walkers will be entered in a free draw with first prize of a €100 voucher, sponsored by Nellipak, Clara. There will also  be a number of other prizes.

The Offaly group is very active and has 48 members with Parkinson's, outlined Stephanie.

They hold weekly meetings in the Charleville Centre in Tullamore and occasionally at Mucklagh CommunITy Centre and also organise social outings and talks.

Stressed Stephanie: "There are no services in Offaly for people with Parkinson's as there is no neurologist based in the county. As such people have to travel to Dublin, Galway or Limerick."

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For people with Parkinson’s, timing is everything when it comes to medication. The “Meds on Time, Every Time" campaign highlights how crucial this is and aims to raise awareness and educate people living with Parkinson’s, their care partners and healthcare professionals. As part of the campaign, Parkinson’s Ireland has developed a range of tools, resources and educational materials to support people with Parkinson’s and their care partners.

The “Meds on Time, Every Time” programme has been developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and partners to improve awareness of medication timing for people living with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s Disease is an incurable progressive neurological disorder with more than 40 associated symptoms that can vary from person to person.

Fundraising remains a key part of Parkinson’s Ireland’s work, supporting essential services for people living with Parkinson’s and their families.

The charity has announced the return of its flagship fundraising event, ‘A Walk in the Park for Parkinson’s’, a nationwide event raising awareness of the condition and funds for the vital services Parkinson’s Ireland provides. The event will take place in Lloyd Town Park -Offaly, and 20 other locations across the country on Saturday April 11, as part of Parkinson’s Awareness Month. The Offaly walk will bring together members of the local Parkinson’s community, their families, friends and supporters to raise vital funds and awareness. This year, the event is sponsored by Ireland’s leading home care provider, Dovida.

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Speaking on behalf of Parkinson’s Ireland and the services provided by the charity, CEO Shane O’Brien said: “Key campaigns and fundraising events for Parkinson’s Ireland allow us to continuously support those living with Parkinson's Disease, their families and care partners, and improve the services we provide. It’s important that we work together to raise awareness of the condition, as well as vital funds. We encourage people of all ages to join us this April for Parkinson’s Awareness Month and show their support.”

Supporting this message, speaking about Dovida’s partnership with Parkinson’s Ireland, Lorraine McLaughlin, Dovida Ireland Parkinson’s Ambassador, said: “We are delighted to once again sponsor this important event to raise awareness and vital funds for people with Parkinson’s all over Ireland. We are equally proud to endorse this new campaign. As an organisation that supports people with Parkinson’s, we know medication timing matters. Our caregiver training and scheduling reflect this to ensure our clients are supported to get their medication on time, every time.”

Parkinson’s Ireland continues to offer essential services, support and information to those affected by the condition. Campaigns such as “Meds on Time, Every Time” aim to educate people living with Parkinson’s, their care partners and healthcare professionals about the importance of medication timing and the support available to them.

The charity encourages healthcare providers, caregivers and people living with Parkinson’s to learn more about the campaign and access resources at parkinsons.ie/meds-on-time.

Parkinson’s Ireland also encourages the public to show their support and register online for ‘A Walk in the Park for Parkinson’s’.

For more information and to find a walk near you, visit walkinthepark.ie

To find out more about the Offaly branch of Parkinson's Ireland contact its chaiperson, Stephanie Connor at 086 1295063.