A FUNDRAISER who has been promoting the work of Parkinson’s UK after receiving her own diagnosis five years ago is helping support its World Parkinson’s Day campaign.

Leah Forster, from Northallerton, is shining a light on the realities of living with Parkinson’s, and on all the work the charity does to support those with the condition.

There had been various events around the UK planned for World Parkinson’s Day on Saturday, April 11, but although these can no longer go ahead due to coronavirus, the website is sharing stories from those with the condition, looking at several different perspectives of how it affects people.

Mrs Forster said: “The past five years since diagnosis have been the best and worst of my life.

“After many tears following the shock of being told I have Parkinson’s at the age of 42, I decided to share the love and support I had received.

“So the positive Leah emerged, although struggling with fatigue, working in a local primary school and having a family to look after, the fundraising began.

“To date, I’ve raised more than £32,000 fr Parkinson’s UK and rising.

“The charity has been fantastic support. It’s given me friendships, love and understanding, reassuring me along the way.

“It’s not a club I wanted to belong to, but I’m embracing it. Thank you to everyone I have met on my Parkinson’s Journey.”

Mrs Foster’s story will be featured on the Parkinson’s UK website as part of its coverage for the world-wide event.

The charity aims to highlight the fact that in every 66 people, chances are some will be affected by Parkinson’s.

Stories will be shared online to challenge misconceptions about the condition.

Events will include landmarks being lit up in blue, and the website will feature an online map of stories from people affected.

It will also have details of how people can connect through Facebook now they are no longer able to get out to physical events.

The website also has lots of relevant information and advice for people with Parkinson’s about the coronavirus pandemic.

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure.

More than one million people in the UK are affected. Either by living with Parkinson’s, or as a friend, colleague, or family member of someone who is.

Visit www.parkinsons.org.uk for information.