Southsider sets up new Parkinson’s Disease charity

A NEW charity that provides practical support to help improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s Disease has been set up by a Southside woman.

Called

‘Move4Parkinson’s’ it was launched recently by Margaret Mullarney from Ballinteer, who has had Parkinson’s for the past eight years.

Margaret is encouraging people with the condition to get in touch.

“Move4Parkinson’s taps directly into the individual everyday experiences of people living with the condition and draws on this first- hand experience to educate, encourage and empower others to reach their full potential and improve their quality of life,

? she said.

Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder, which so far cannot be cured.

Over 10,000 people in Ireland live with it but the symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.

“The charity is inspired by my own personal journey in living with Parkinson’s and the journeys of the many others I have met and spoken with,

? Margaret added.

“I’ve learned that there are always options open to us if we can educate ourselves, make choices and keep moving on a physical, mental and emotional level to do the best we can in managing our illness.

?

She added:

“I hope we will empower people to better manage their condition and that our collective experiences and stories will not just be a source of motivation but a practical support which gets results and improves people’s lives.

?

In unique talks given by Margaret and other members people with Parkinson’s are encouraged to pick some small element in one or more areas where they can help improve their individual quality of life.

“In recognising the individual nature of the illness, it is important for people to remember that there is no one size fits all solution,

? Margaret explained.

“It is what works best for each individual patient.

?

Professor Tim Lynch, consultant neurologist at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and founder and Director of the Dublin Neurological Institute said,

“As a clinician I encourage people to become involved with Move4Parkinson’s.

“Non-motor symptoms have a huge affect on the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s but this area is often overlooked.

Physical activity on a daily basis is important for everyone but especially for people with Parkinson’s and other neurological and muscular disorders as it can improve overall health as well as emotional well-being.

? Move4Parkinsons will hold a

‘Patient Empowerment’ day on Wednesday, June 20 to coincide with the Movement Disorder Society’s 16th International Congress, which takes place from June 17 to 21 at the Convention Centre Dublin.

Anyone who wishes to contact Move4Parkinson’s can email Margaret or Catherine Fox on info@move4parkinsons.com or log onto www.move4parkinsons.com for further contact details.