Letter to editor from celebrity baker and actress Jane Asher

Take to your garden or favourite outdoor space

Across Wales this summer

There’s something very special about entertaining out of doors – our weather may not always be as brilliant as we’d like but this is definitely the time of year to make the most of whatever sunshine we get! Getting together with family and friends in the fresh air, whether in a grand garden or a small courtyard, is a pleasure all of its own, and to know that at the same time support is being raised for a wonderful cause just makes it even better. That’s why I’m delighted to support Garden Gathering, our rightly popular fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK, urging people across the country to get together with family and friends to welcome the sun, and bring the fun in Wales this summer.

Whether you host a BBQ with beer, or an afternoon tea with pink lemonade and a playlist, all money raised by those taking part is set to make a real difference to the 7,692 people living with Parkinson’s in Wales.

Your Garden Gathering event can be as creative as you like, and Parkinson’s UK has put together a free fundraising pack full of tips and goodies, including festival wristbands, a teepee donation box, a festival-themed fundraising game, and a recipe from me to help you get in the mood for fun.

I know first-hand how deeply Parkinson’s can impact not only the person living with the condition but also their loved ones, as my brother-in-law lived with it for many years. All funds will go towards supporting everyone with Parkinson’s and ultimately take us closer to a cure.

I do hope you and your readers have a very happy and sun-filled summer, and I offer my personal thanks to anyone who decides to get involved – to get a free fundraising pack visit parkinsons.org.uk/gardengathering or call 0800 138 6593.

Jane Asher

President of Parkinson’s UK