Herefordshire Parkinson's
WORLD PARKINSON'S DAY
11 APRIL 2026
Cough medicine could slow progression of Parkinson’s disease
A cough medicine could hold the key to slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
The news was shared by Professor David Dexter, director of research at Parkinson’s UK, during a talk at the Shell Store on Hereford’s Rotherwas Estate, on October 24.
A spokesperson for a local branch of Parkinson's UK said: "Re-purposing a common cough medicine, available over the counter in many parts of Europe, could be the solution to remove the misfolded and aggregated forms of alpha-synuclein which spread from cell to cell and cause the ongoing damage."
He also discussed Prasinezumab, a drug currently in Phase 3 trials by Roche, and spoke about the potential for future treatments that could stop the progression of Parkinson’s.
Almost 600 people in Herefordshire currently live with the condition.
Bhanu Ramaswamy OBE also spoke at the event, highlighting the benefits of exercise for managing symptoms.
Due to high demand, a repeat event will be held on Monday, November 10, organised by the Herefordshire branch of Parkinson’s UK.
Latest News
Kington resident to take on indoor
rowing challenge for Parkinson’s UK
A Kington resident will be rowing a half marathon challenge in the Halo Centre at Hereford Leisure Pool on Saturday February 8 starting at 9.30am, to raise funds for the charity Parkinson’s UK.
Bob North, 70, decided to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK following his own diagnosis in 2023 and wants to raise money to help the charity develop better treatments and potentially a cure for the condition.
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world and currently there is no cure. It affects around 153,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed. There are many symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.
Parkinson’s UK is the largest charitable funder of Parkinson’s research in Europe, leading the way to better treatments and a cure.
Bob said: “I started to notice a tremor back in 2022, and after several visits to the GP and ultimately a Consultant Neurologist I received a diagnosis in 2023.
“Following the diagnosis, I was referred to the NHS Specialist Parkinson’s nurses who introduced me to the work of the Parkinson’s UK charity. I was also fortunate enough to consult Sarah Edwards, a Neuro Physiotherapist who has a special interest in working with people living with Parkinson’s. As a result of those consultations I now understand how important regular exercise is for slowing the progression of the condition and managing symptoms.”
I also understand that the key to maintaining the habit of regular exercise is To find something you enjoy doing. Rowing is a great all-round exercise which I enjoyed in my youth. It was, therefore, natural for me to return to the rowing machine as the basis of an exercise regime. So as a direct result of my diagnosis I am leaner, stronger and fitter and the satisfaction I get from achieving the goals I set is a tremendous lift for my mental health.”
I also volunteer with both the National Trust and Wildlife Trust as a countryside ranger, which means a couple of days a week I am working out in the fresh air with a wide range of movement; very important for managing symptom
“Since my diagnosis I have learnt of Parkinson’s UK important work funding research into the condition and supporting people living with Parkinson’s and those who support and care for them.
“I am hugely appreciative of the vital work they do and wanted to make my contribution. I hope the money raised by undertaking this challenge will help Parkinson’s UK to carry out even more valuable work.”
“I also hope that my effort will inspire other people living with Parkinson’s to find their own challenge, come forward to tell their own stories about living with Parkinson’s and support the charity Kirsty Berrigan and Rebecca Landolt, Heads of Community Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK said: “We are so grateful to Bob for taking on this incredible challenge for Parkinson’s UK.
“With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough.
“We hope that Bob’s fundraising challenge inspires you to get involved with Parkinson’s UK. There are lots of ways for you to get involved and support us – from volunteering at an event to campaigning for better services. Without the generosity of people like you, our work would not be possible.”
To sponsor Bob visit
www.justgiving.com/page/bob-north-1734975073688.
To find out how to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK
visit parkinsons.org.uk/fundraising.
If you would like to know more about how to start
exercising, or how to progress or prioritise activities
for you on your Parkinson’s Journey, do give us a call at
Sarah Edwards Associates 01432 628 123 or
info@edwardsphysio.co.uk
Northern Soul
An article by Alister Cole
I was diagnosed with Parkinsons in August 2011 after several years of mystifying symptoms. It came almost as a relief. I have been a life long fan (since 1972, anyway) of the underground music scene of Northern Soul and after receiving such marvellous help and assistance with my condition, in 2017, armed with a box full of records and yearning to give something back, I decided to hold a one off charity fund raising event in a small village hall which was very well attended and we raised lots of money.
I thought that it would be a one off but soon received many requests for another which in the end turned out to be a complete disaster and we lost money.
So, determined to regain my losses I looked for another venue and found the Royal Hall in Ledbury. We were given the green light to hold them every month and we had six wonderfully successful years there.
We are currently in our tenth year and based now in a much bigger venue in Ross on Wye and getting more people attend each time. All profits from every event, which are held on the first Saturday every two months starting January, have gone and do go to Parkinson's and Alzheimers alternately.
I personally have found that this journey of combining my passion for the music and the dancing whilst supporting my local Parkinson's groups is by far the most rewarding way of combatting the condition especially if you love it as much as I do. As well as ensuring I get a good nights sleep, of course so no more all nighters sadly. Keep The Faith
The next event is:
Molly's Fundraising Efforts!
Good luck and thank you to Chloe Cummings, 13, who is aiming to raise £500 for Parkinson’s UK by taking part in the Cheltenham Inflatable 5K!
My Dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease a couple of years ago, aged 40. My Dad is an inspiration to me, since his diagnosis, he has done a sponsored walk and a skydive. Now I'm a bit older (13) I would like to help raise money for Parkinsons UK just like him, in the hope that they can find a cure for my Dad and others like him. It's not fair he suffers with this disease, and I want to do what I can to help.
I think this will be a fun activity to do - wish me luck!!
You can visit Chloe's fundraising page by clicking the link here.