Parky Charter petition handed into Downing Street on World Parkinson’s Day by the Movers and Shakers and Parkinson’s UK Chief Executive

Parky Charter petition handed into Downing Street on World Parkinson’s Day by the Movers and Shakers and Parkinson’s UK Chief Executive Caroline Rassell 

Chief Executive of Parkinson’s UK, Caroline Rassell says:

“The Movers & Shakers are an incredible group of people with Parkinson’s who are using their combined voices to create a powerful platform for change. Together with their listeners, they’ve developed the Parky Charter, which details five areas of concern for people with Parkinson’s that the government needs to address.

“We support the principles of the Parky Charter, which echo the issues that the Parkinson’s UK community raises with us. The Charter also aligns closely with our strategic priorities of pushing for better health and social care, delivering new treatments and making sure that no one affected by the condition is alone.

“We are proud to be partnering with the Movers & Shakers, Cure Parkinson’s and Spotlight YOPD to get the charter in front of the Prime Minister and other key decision makers in this very important election year.”

Former BBC news presenter and Mover and Shaker Mark Mardell says:

“None of us began our podcast, ‘Movers & Shakers’, with the slightest intention of becoming campaigners, let alone taking a Charter to Downing Street. But the more we heard from our listeners throughout the series about the way they had been treated, ignored and misunderstood, the more shocked and outraged we became. Now we are determined to use what profile we have to demand some simple measures that would make a huge difference. Our trip to Number Ten is not the end, merely the first steps on a long road. We may stagger, we may be slow but we will move and shake the system until it makes life better for our fellow ‘Parkies’.”

Comment from The Prime Minister:

“The Prime Minister is very supportive of the excellent work that the Movers and Shakers do and the Charter will rightfully receive the attention it deserves.”

Further information and quotes

Public figures Jeremy Paxman, Rory Cellan-Jones, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Gillian Lacey-Solymar and Sir Nicholas Mostyn all have Parkinson’s and have teamed up for the award-winning Movers and Shakers podcast. Frustrated by the lack of support for people with the condition in the UK, they have published The Parky Charter which covers five key areas of concern and requests for change.

We at Parkinson’s UK have supported the Movers and Shakers with the development of their charter and, along with Cure Parkinson’s and Spotlight YOPD, we support its principles. All three charities are partnering with the Movers and Shakers to bring the charter to the attention of politicians and asked people with Parkinson’s to pledge their support by signing the petition that was handed into Downing Street. It has been signed by over 20.000 people.

Cure Parkinson’s CEO Helen Matthews says:

The Movers & Shakers are a phenomenal voice for the Parkinson’s Community and the Parky Charter embodies the views of a large number of people living with Parkinson’s in the UK. The petition highlights the urgent need for change and better treatments for people living with Parkinson’s, and Cure Parkinson’s is so pleased to be supporting the Movers & Shakers alongside Parkinson’s UK and Spotlight YOPD.

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition, and the Charter calls for the government to give Parkinson’s the attention it deserves and provide investment into research and collaboration towards a cure.

Spotlight YOPD CEO Carl Beech says:

When I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s, I’ll never forget the words, incurable, degenerative and progressive ringing in my ears as I left the consultant’s room. I knew that life was different now, and looked for help.

The Movers and Shakers podcast was the first thing I listened to! It gave me great comfort to know I wasn’t alone. However, I was “young” and so I had a similar but also different battle on my hands. One of having to work with declining health and yet no easy access to financial help. Having to fight and often failing to get the help needed is soul destroying. When the 5 points of the Parky Charter were formulated I punched the air! It’s time for change. It’s an incredible honour to be standing together as 3 charities, with the Movers and Shakers to ensure all those diagnosed get the help and support they desperately need.

About Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s UK

Parkinson’s is what happens when the brain cells that make dopamine start to die. There are more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety. Some are treatable, but the drugs can have serious side effects. It gets worse over time and there’s no cure. Yet.

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. Around 153,000 people in the UK have Parkinson’s.

We are Parkinson’s UK. Here for everyone affected by the condition. Funding research into the most promising treatments, taking us closer to a cure every day. Fighting for fair treatment and better services.

Read more facts and statistics.

Further information, advice and support is available on our website, www.parkinsons.org.uk or our free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303