United Welsh raises over £4,300 for Parkinson’s UK

After a year of fundraising, United Welsh is pleased to announce it has raised £4,393 for Parkinson’s UK.

Staff took part in a range of activities to raise money after United Welsh voted to make Parkinson’s UK their corporate charity of the year.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition. There are currently 145,000 people living with Parkinson’s in the UK, affecting 7,600 in Wales.

Vicki Hindley works within United Welsh’s Governance team and was particularly pleased with the results of the staff vote to raise money for Parkinson’s UK, as her husband Ian was diagnosed with the disease 19 years ago.

Vicki said: “Ian was very active and serving in the British Army, but his diagnosis aged 38 changed his life forever.

“Parkinson’s is a hard condition to live with. While it affects a part of the brain that is no bigger than the size of your little fingernail, it has a devastating impact. Due to the decrease in dopamine production, people find that their movements become slower, so it takes a long time to do simple tasks.

“Parkinson’s UK is a voice at the end of the phone when you have no one else to turn to, and the research that the charity helps to fund is critical.

“Both Ian and myself are extremely grateful for the efforts of our friends and staff at United Welsh to raise money. Thank you.”

People across United Welsh took part in a range of activities to raise funds, including cycles and walks across South Wales, raffles, and bake sales.

Katherine Crawford, Director of Services at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are immensely grateful to the staff at United Welsh for choosing the charity and taking part in fundraising activities to raise such a wonderful sum of money.

“Over a million people with Parkinson’s, family members, friends and carers need Parkinson’s UK now more than ever. Parkinson’s puts some people at increased risk of complications if they get coronavirus. Because of this, they have serious health concerns and questions – and these are changing every day.

“The amazing funds raised by United Welsh will help us continue to fund pioneering research to find a cure for Parkinson’s, boost our helpline capacity, provide tailored online exercise classes and make sure people receive face-to-face support in new ways.”

United Welsh has nominated the Trussell Trust as their chosen charity for the 2020/21 period.
Last year, the Trussell Trust network provided 1.6 million emergency food parcels to people in crisis, with over 500,000 of these going to children.

Lynda Sagona, Group Chief Executive of United Welsh said: “We are committed to tackling poverty in all its guises to help people and our communities to live happily and in good health.

“Sadly, more and more people have needed to use food banks in the last few years and as the impact of coronavirus continues to unfold, they are reporting their busiest time ever. More than ever it is crucial that we now protect lifelines such as the food banks provided by the Trussell Trust.

“We are proud to continue our support of the Trussell Trust to raise much-needed funds over the coming year.”