Tullibody woman aims to bring Parkinson’s down
A TULLIBODY woman is gearing up to take on a charity walk to raise funds for Parkinson’s treatment.
Gill Millar is on a mission to complete the Walk for Parkinson’s fundraiser in Hamilton next month.
She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in February and has sworn to remain active to manage her condition, leading her to take on the walk.
The 61-year-old is determined to play her part in helping search for new treatments for Parkinson’s, with all proceeds raised by her walk funding research.
Gill said: “I’m keen to learn more about the condition, what to expect, and determined to tackle it head-on.
“I was advised that regular physical activity is one of the best ways to manage my symptoms.
“I already do yoga twice a week and burlesque chair dance once a week, which helps keep me mobile.
“I’m excited to take part in Walk
for Parkinson’s both as a means to keep active, with the added bonus of raising some money for research.
“Gordon, my husband, has signed up with me for the six-mile challenge.
“I’m looking forward to being
in the company of people who are going through the same as me and being part of a real community of support.”
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, with almost 13,000 people living with the condition in Scotland.
It is estimated that that number will have increased to around 15,000 within five years, according to Parkinson’s UK.
Gill retired four years ago but helps out in a charity shop once a week to remain active, and first noticed a tremor and decreased movement in her left arm, which led to her diagnosis.
She continued: “I have difficulty doing things like buttoning clothes, opening jars and small movements like waving and stirring.
“It’s so important to work towards a cure or new treatments, which can limit or delay the onset of the condition.
“It blew my mind to find out there are more than 40 different symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. If more ways can be found to help with any of these, it would be invaluable.”
The Walk for Parkinson’s will be taking place at the Chatelherault Country Park in Hamilton on Sunday, June 2.
A similar event is also scheduled for Lochore Meadows in Fife on Sunday, October 6.