My Story
I first learnt about the charity from a friend of mine who lived in the same village as Ewan. I didn’t know much about Parkinsons Disease or the impact it had on families but I do now. At that time the charity was looking for volunteers and potential trustees willing to give their time free of charge to help with several projects which were to establish a community garden and also set up exercise classes for individuals with Parkinsons. I have always had a desire to help people and make a difference, so I thought it was an ideal opportunity to help and get involved in this local community group.
My Story
I first learnt about the charity from a friend of mine who lived in the same village as Ewan. I didn’t know much about Parkinsons Disease or the impact it had on families but I do now.
At that time the charity was looking for volunteers and potential trustees willing to give their time free of charge to help with several projects which were to establish a community garden and also set up exercise classes for individuals with Parkinsons.
I have always had a desire to help people and make a difference, so I thought it was an ideal opportunity to help and get involved in this local community group.
​
Before joining as a trustee, I had a good understanding of the role as a trustee having been a company secretary for a large charity before. I now have a very good understanding of Parkinsons and the effect it has on individual lives.
As well as the compliance side of being a trustee, I have learnt that being involved in a local well run charity can also be very creative and rewarding in the sense that you can make a real difference to peoples lives and see change happening in a relatively short period of time.
​
You only have to see the joy of peoples faces when visiting the garden, engaging in the monthly coffee morning sessions or watch participants after a Move.Me exercise to see that the charity is making a difference. Some of the individuals that attend the sessions have often said these events are the highlight of the week.
​
I am proud to be part of a local charity set up to support individuals and their families coming to terms with living with Parkinsons.
Over the past 10 years the charity has set up a number of successful projects supporting many individuals. With your support we can continue to run these and potentially do more.
My Story
I was drawn to Parkinsons.Me though a personal connection to Ewan, funder of the charity.
By a strange coincidence, my dad and Ewan’s grandma knew each other. Ewan’s mum was a great support to me when our children wee little. Wind the clock on a bit and Ewan used to babysit for our children – a massive help.
When Ewan and Tracey founded Parkinsons.Me it seemed only natural to do what I could to help, not least as I’ve spent much of my career working in or supporting charities.
​
The main thing I’ve learned from being a trustee is the power of community support. I’ve seen the encouragement that comes from having friends and neighbours turn out to show they’re right there with you when the going gets tough, whether that’s taking part in Wolf Runs, helping to create a garden or providing a steady supply of cakes!
​
Chic, one of our associates, talks in our recent annual report about the strength that MoveMe Mates (partners and others closely connected to people with Parkinson’s) gain from coming together. ‘Our motto is in the boat [the boat we’re all in] we paddle together, support each other, learn from one another, laugh and cry together, make true friends.’ For me that sums up Parkinsons.Me’s impact.
Our HearMe counselling service is also helping reshape wider thinking about how people with Parkinson’s and their families are best supported. It’s an exciting journey to be part of!
My Story
I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in March 2023 whilst owning and operating a popular Bar on Cowley Road, Oxford with my wife Josephine.
With a lease renewal fast approaching in 2024, we decided to sell the business rather than commit to a further 10 years. It was when we sold the business in late 2024, I found myself with no regular job and needed to find my purpose so I began working as a Volunteer with Parkinson's UK and specifically work surrounding newly diagnosed.
In the Spring of 2025, I saw an advert seeking Trustees for Parkinsons.Me - a local Oxfordshire Charity that I had not been aware of.
I read the story of how Parkinson's.Me came to be and of how the charity supports Carers and Loved Ones just as much as those with Parkinson's.
This resonated with me as I have family members acting as Carers for differing needs and they are often over-looked.
Being a Trustee, I have discovered how a small Team of Volunteers can make such big difference to the local Parkinson's Community.
We have a strong sense of trust and comradeship amongst the Trustees and everyone adds value to decision-making.
Being a Trustee gives you a sense of pride in giving back to the community in a small way and whilst it's satisfying to organise and attend events, there is no obligation for giving up too much of your precious time for the role. We are a very friendly bunch of people and are looking for like-minded people to join us.
