Parkinsons Disease affects a large proportion of the population mostly the over 50s and is a degenerative disorder affecting the central nervous system. The most obvious symptoms are shaking rigidity and slowness of movement. During the latter stages of the disease dementia can also set in.

A number of research projects are ongoing and big leaps in understanding the disorder is being made. The more knowledge professionals acquire the closer we get to a cure. Unfortunately this research takes money which thanks to a number of Hayling residents will get a boost.

Hayling Island Support Group for Parkinsons UK recently carried out a street collection in Mengham which yielded 126.54. On Saturday April 12 supporters generously donated and honorary treasurer Tim Hunt thanked everyone who contributed.

Local resident and keen stand up paddle boarder/windsurfer Stan Wheeler is also organising a watery event in aid of raising further funds. Paddle for Parkinsons will take place on June 21 at West Beachlands. Kayakers and SUPers are invited to come along and take part with the number of laps around the yellow buoy lying just offshore being sponsored.

For more information about Parkinsons Disease head over to http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/