PARKINSON’S UK Worcester and District branch is celebrating its 25th birthday this year.

The group, helping people affected by Parkinson’s in the area, is now calling for new volunteers to help carry on its work. 

Parkinson's UK is the country's leading charity supporting those with the condition.

Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through cutting edge research, information, support and campaigning.

Jackie Murrall, Parkinson’s UK’s volunteer coordinator for the West Midlands, said: "The Worcester and District branch has five groups across the county providing support, advice and friendship to people with Parkinson’s, their family and carers.

"Anyone who wants to come along and help is welcome, though at the moment we particularly need a secretary and someone to help to organise the Malvern group. We are also looking for a volunteer to coordinate fundraising activities to help to continue with all their activities. In addition, the branch would like to provide more support for people with Parkinson’s of working age in Worcestershire and need a volunteer to lead on that project. Come along and be part of something that helps people in your community."

To mark the 25th anniversary, Wyre Forest Friendship Group volunteer Pat Young is participating in a 100km Trek (62.5miles) with her daughter Kathryn on August 11 and 12.

Pat said: "We plan to walk continuously – if I stop over night I may not get going again."

The trek starts in Chepstow, goes through Wye Valley and finishes in Hereford.

To make a donation, get involved or for more information about the Worcester and District branch, please contact Jackie Murrall on 0344 225 9849. 

Parkinson's is a degenerative neurological condition, for which there currently is no cure. The main symptoms of the condition are tremor, slowness of movement and rigidity.