Black Lace Superman challenge laid down by Rachel
Hinckley volunteer has done a video highlighting issue
DURING Volunteers Week, charities including Parkinson’s UK will be thanking and recognising helpers virtually on social media, highlighting their commitment to supporting people and communities during lockdown.
In Hinckley, Parkinson’s UK volunteer, Rachel Yorke set the local branch a challenge to dance to the Black Lace ‘Superman’ song, and create a short remix of their moves.
Rachel said: “My hope is that we can use this video to help spread awareness of Parkinson’s and encourage others to know support and friendship is out there. We all had fun making this video and I thank everyone involved for their contribution, being brave, trying something new and taking up the challenge.”
Before the coronavirus pandemic, almost 4,000 Parkinson’s UK volunteers ran and organised around 1,000 local activities across the UK and supported 26,000 group members.
During lockdown, many volunteers have been able to quickly and safely adapt many activities virtually and reach out on the phone, helping the local community stay connected. Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological condition which can happen at any age and has a major impact on everyday life.
It develops when cells in the brain stop working properly and are lost over time. Around 145,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, including around 10,200 in the
East Midlands.
Parkinson’s is one of the underlying health conditions identified by the Government as increasing the risk of serious complications from coronavirus. Although not classified as extremely vulnerable, many people with Parkinson’s have chosen to shield, increasing their risk of feeling isolated at a difficult time.
Stephen Hill, Head of Volunteering at Parkinson’s UK said: “Thank you to all our amazing volunteers who have supported people with Parkinson’s in Hinckley over this uncertain time.
“Our volunteers are at the centre of everything; shaping research, fighting for fair treatment and better services, and providing support when people need it most. Their ongoing contribution and commitment to people with Parkinson’s over this time has been invaluable and we’re looking forward, together, to continuing our vital work.”
To say thank you to volunteers, share your story on social media using #VolunteersWeek2020 or #nevermatteredmore.