Highlighting World Parkinson’s Day and their ‘map of stories’
Date published: 08 April 2020
Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams
Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams will be marking World Parkinson’s Day this Saturday as people from across the UK are coming together to share their experiences of disease by contributing to a map of stories.
The maps can be found here
Mrs Abrahams said: “Parkinson’s UK say that if you know 66 people, chances are, you know someone affected by the disease.
“But, they ask us, do you know what Parkinson’s actually is and that there are over 40 symptoms, for example?
“I know, from speaking to people throughout Oldham and Saddleworth of the toll that Parkinson’s can take.
"It not only affects those with the condition, but also has a significant impact on family, friends and carers.
“This World Parkinson’s Day, I’m raising awareness in an effort to support everyone impacted by this cruel condition.”
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure.
It affects around 145,000 people in the UK, including 121,927 in England; 12,184 in Scotland; 7,692 in Wales; 3,716 in Northern Ireland.
With population growth and ageing, it is estimated that this will increase by a fifth, to around 172,000 people in the UK, by 2030.
Parkinson’s UK estimates that there are more than 40 symptoms of the condition.
As well as the most widely known symptom - tremor - these range from physical symptoms like muscle stiffness to depression, anxiety, hallucinations, memory problems and dementia, but Parkinson’s affects everyone differently.
Gary Shaughnessy, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Parkinson’s UK, said: “People with Parkinson’s often tell us, and I know from my own experience of the condition, that a lack of understanding is one of the biggest challenges they face, leaving them open to harassment and discrimination when out in public.
“This World Parkinson’s Day, we’re encouraging members of the public to learn more about the condition by visiting our online platform and searching for the hashtag #knowparkinsons.”
Gary added: “Chances are, you know somebody affected by Parkinson’s.
"But do you know Parkinson’s?”
Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.
