Bridgend Male Choir took part in Parkinson’s UK’s Walk for Parkinson’s at Bute Park, Cardiff, raising £12,000 to help fund vital support for people affected by the condition.
Participants on the day had the choice of a 1 or 6-mile walking route around the park. The money raised by the event will help transform the way the charity offers information and support to people with Parkinson’s, and the people in their lives. This year, thanks to the Frank and Evelyn Brake Connect Fund, sponsorship will be matched pound for pound, doubling the impact for people affected by Parkinson’s.
Choir Media Relations Officer, Mike Johnson said: “We wanted to support Parkinson’s UK and more importantly to support two of our own choristers: David Burt, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015 and has been a hard-working regular chorister for 20 years, and Dave Davison, another dedicated member of the choir, whose wife Joan was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago.
“Bridgend Male Choir’s 60th Diamond Anniversary was last year, and that was when Parkinson’s UK was agreed as the charity to support. We were initially planning to donate proceeds from concert ticket sales, but unfortunately the pandemic meant that could not go ahead.
“It was David Burt, who has supported Parkinson’s UK for a number of years, who suggested the choir take on Walk for Parkinson’s in Cardiff. In the end, those who walked raised a great total of £5,022.50, and Bridgend Male Choir family and friends have added £7,100 – taking us up to just over £12,000. This was far beyond the wildest dreams of even the most optimistic among us!”
Bethan Palfrey, Regional Fundraiser for Wales at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to Bridgend Male Choir for their incredible support and everyone who took part in Walk for Parkinson’s at Bute Park.
“Last year there was so much we couldn’t do, and living in lockdown was difficult and lonely for many of us. For many people with Parkinson’s, their symptoms got worse. This year, we need each other more than ever. Walk for Parkinson’s was a chance to get outside, connect with the Parkinson’s community and make a difference.”
