Light up lives for Parkinson’s

IAN BUNTING

Parkinson’s UK Scotland has launched its 2020 campaign calling for landmarks and buildings across Monklands to light up in blue to mark World Parkinson’s Day.

Last year, 90 Scottish locations lit up to mark the day and a further dozen or so sites in the rest of the UK also showed their support.

The charity is launching the campaign to promote better understanding of a condition that affects around 12,400 people in Scotland.

Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s and better public understanding of the impact of the condition can have a hugely positive outcome on the lives of those who live with it.

The campaign – which will culminate on World Parkinson’s Day on April 11

– is led by the Parkinson’s community and spearheaded by one of the charity’s volunteers; Karen McConnell, from Glasgow.

Karen got involved with the charity after a school project on Sir Billy Connolly inspired her eight- yearold daughter Abby to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK.

When he heard about Abby’s exploits, Billy arranged to meet young Abby and her family to thank them.

Karen said: “It was amazing last year to get the support from 90 locations across Scotland.

“This year we’re aiming even higher and want even more landmarks, big and small, to join in by lighting up in blue.

“I’m looking for help from anyone and everyone to make this happen. If you know of buildings that can light up then I’d love to hear about them and if you can help arrange it that’s even better.

“I’ve got great support from local

Parkinson’s groups working hard in their areas to persuade people and organisations to join in but I welcome any assistance that people can offer.

“The more helpers who can lend a hand the better; after all, many hands make light work.”

Annie Macleod, director of Parkinson’s UK Scotland, added: “The light up campaign is incredibly important to the Parkinson’s community in raising wider awareness and understanding of the condition.

“Parkinson’s symptoms are often brutal and can leave people and their families feeling isolated. Having a local landmark, church or shop lighting up in blue is a powerful reminder to people that they are not alone and shows people care and are aware of the condition.”

To support the light up campaign, contact Karen by ema i l i n g lightupscotlandforparkinsons@gmail. com.