Parkinsons UK

Betty Whittaker of the Redditch and Bromsgrove Branch of Parkinsons UK certainly carried out her promise to do a charity swim for Parkinsons Relief. She completed the promised mile and 44 yards as expected, though one must bear in mind that while Betty is a fit and very active woman she is no spring chicken, and her efforts must therefore be all the more applauded.

15 people turned up at the swimming baths to cheer her on and encourage her as time passed and the number of lengths slowly built up. The Gilmores arrived bringing flags to give the place a festive air. Some twenty lengths into the marathon committee member Marion dived in and swam in the next lane to give support, and eventually 66 lengths of the swimming baths were completed, bringing Betty to her goal of a mile swum, raising a cheer from her audience. Betty is now busy collecting the money promised her, and if she manages to collect all that is owing, the figure will be in excess of £1,100, a very respectable sum to go towards assisting those who suffer from Parkinsons disease. Well done, Betty! The Redditch & Bromsgrove Branch is proud of you.

The Spring Bank Holiday coffee morning that Betty holds at her home each year to raise funds to combat the Parkinsons disease broke all records this year with a sum of £1,086. A similar event at Rowney Green's village hall raised £688, making a total of £1,774.

The branch meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 2pm at the Rocklands Club in Birchfield Road, Redditch. If you are a Parkinsons sufferer or a carer for someone who suffers from it feel free to call and check us out. You will find us a cheerful lot, always up for a laugh and we usually have something organised, such as a speaker or a photography show, etc. Go to reddibromparkinsons.co.uk for information or phone secretary Joy on 01527 544424 or Martin on 01527 61814 for details.