Alison Hughes presents a cheque to the Parkinsons Cafe, alongside David Merriman with Sarah Farnsworth and Celia Stevens of Dartmouth Caring.
Dartmouth’s new support group for those suffering from, or affected by, Parkinson’s has held its first meeting – and was given its first donation!
The Parkinson’s Café, which will be held in the Community Café in Dartmouth’s newly renovated Old Market, aims to give support to those suffering from the degenerative disease Parkinson’s, which affects the body, and creates tremors and other problems.
There is no cure, but founder of the group, David Merriman, is living proof it can be managed long term. His friends, Alison Hughes and Richard White have donated £250 towards the café – which it is hoped will give support not only to those suffering from the disease, but give support to their carers too.
David, 62, was diagnosed with the disease in October 2005. He only stopped working as a civil engineer after Christmas 2010.
‘The aim of the group is to ensure that those affected by Parkinson’s can get support and not feel isolated,’ he said. ‘We hope that the group will feature talks, support and activities which keep the minds of those who come along active. This is a physical condition and it’s important for people with it to keep their mind stimulated – it really helps. I’d like to thank Alison and Richard for their very generous donation – which will help us to get established over the next few months.’
The first talk to the group – which meets on the third Thursday of every month in the café at 11am – is on November 17 and by Parkinson’s Nurse Sian Day and the Parkinson’s Society. Sian, who will be visiting the group regularly, will be speaking about treatments and how to manage the disease both as a carer and a sufferer.
For more details on the Parkinson’s Café call Dartmouth Caring on 01803 835384 or email enquiries@dartmouthcaring.co.uk.
Phil Scoble 