Parkinson's UK milestones
We've come a long way since 1969, when Mali Jenkins founded the Parkinson's Disease
Society - now Parkinson's UK.
1969
Levodopa was the first major breakthrough in the drug treatment of Parkinson's.
Today, a range of treatments are available to control
the symptoms of Parkinson's.
1970
Our first local Parkinson's group opened in Tunbridge Wells and
Halifax.
We now have around 350 local groups
across the UK offering friendship and support to everyone affected
by Parkinson's.
1971
Our first publication was introduced: 'Parkinson's Disease – a
booklet for patients, friends and families'.
Today we provide information and support in many ways – through
our free confidential helpline 0808 800
0303, specialist staff, publications, website and network of local groups across the UK.
1984
Our Parkinson's UK Brain Bank opened,
enabling crucial research into Parkinson's.
We now have the UK's largest human brain bank dedicated to
Parkinson's. We provide brain tissue to researchers around the
world to develop better treatments and make progress towards a
cure.
1986
Research identifies oxidative stress as a key player in
Parkinson's.
1988
Our first overseas sponsored trek
took place, raising more money for our work.
Since then, our range of fundraising activities has grown
massively, giving people lots of ways to get
involved and fundraise.
1989
The first specialist Parkinson's nurse was appointed, providing
specialised local care for people with Parkinson's.
At the end of 2010, there were 310 Parkinson's nurses across the UK.
1990
Princess Diana became patron.
1992
Our first team ran in the London
Marathon.
1994
UK patients participate in one of the first transplant trials
for Parkinson's.
Richard Briers became our Honorary Vice
President.
1996
The Duchess of Gloucester became patron.
1997
We were chosen as one of GMTV's 'get up and give
charities'.
1998
Our first education tool for professionals was introduced:
'Parkinson's Aware in Primary Care.
Today, our education and training officers deliver seminars and courses for health and social care
professionals who work with people with Parkinson's in all
parts of the UK.
1999
Our free and confidential helpline
service is launched, with specialist nurses and
staff.
2002
Research proves that Parkinson's nurses significantly improve
quality of life for people affected by Parkinson's.
2004
2 genes associated with inherited Parkinson's were discovered,
giving us a better understanding of the causes of Parkinson's.
2006
Our 'Get it on time' campaign was
launched to make sure people with Parkinson's admitted into
hospitals and care homes get their medication on time, every
time.
Jane Asher became our president.
2007
Prescription charges for people with
Parkinson's were abolished in Wales.
Our research spend increased to more than £4million. In 1969 our
research spend was £205.
2008
Our online
discussion forum was launched for people affected by
Parkinson's.
We introduced information and support
workers across the UK so everyone affected by Parkinson's has
access to the services they need.
2009
2009 was our 40th Anniversary, when we looked back on our
research achievements made since
1969.
We launched our Parkinson's Brain Donor
Appeal asking people to pledge to donate their brains for
research. We now have over 2,300 new brain donors from across the
UK.
Our Fair Care for Parkinson's
campaign was launched, putting pressure on governments to improve
access to the health and social care for everyone affected by
Parkinson's.
We set up our National Campaigns
Network, allowing people with Parkinson's, their carers and
families to get directly involved in our campaign work.
2010
We changed our name to Parkinson's
UK and launched a new 5-year strategy
(2010-2014) focusing on finding a cure and improving life for
everyone affected by Parkinson's.
2011
We were nominated and won the 'Charity
of the Year with income of more than £1million' category at the
prestigious Charity Times Awards. This was a testament to
all the incredible work that our staff and volunteers do every day
across the UK.
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