Parkinson's Awareness Week


Each year, we hold an awareness week to raise the profile of the charity, giving a focus for fundraising efforts across the UK and increasing people's understanding of Parkinson's.



Parkinson's Awareness Week 2010


Parkinson's Awareness Week 2010 will take place from 19 to 25 April, concluding with the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 25 April.



Parkinson's Awareness Week 2009

20 - 26 April 2009

 

Parkinson's Awareness Week 2009 was extra special because it took place during the Parkinson's Disease Society's 40th Anniversary. In 2009 we celebrated our research achievements over the past 40 years.

 

With over 700 pieces of media coverage, Parkinson's Awareness Week 2009 was the most successful to date, reaching at least 53 million people.

 

 

Parkinson's Brain Donor Appeal


Brain donation - a vital giftWe launched the Parkinson's Brain Donor Appeal during Parkinson's Awareness Week 2009. The appeal was an attempt to double the number of registered brain donors by the end of 2009.


Brain donation is vital in the search for a cure for the condition.


A number of well known supporters, including Jane Asher and John Stapleton, are involved with the appeal. Read more about our Parkinson's Brain Donor Appeal supporters

 

During Parkinson's Awareness Week, the appeal reached wide audiences and resulted in huge increases in enquiries to our helpline, website and the Parkinson's Brain Bank

 


Media highlights

 

Some key media highlights were:

  • 738 pieces of media coverage in 4 days
  • Appearing on BBC Breakfast on the Monday reaching over 1 million viewers
  • A Daily Mail feature article reaching over 2 million readers
  • Being interviewed on BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine show, reaching 13 million listeners
  • Coverage in over 70 regional newspapers
  • Reaching a total of at least 53 million people

 

Outcomes of this coverage included:

  • Visits to the website being 3 times our previous best
  • 850 enquiries to our freephone helpline
  • As many email requests to the Parkinson's Brain Bank in 1 week as they've had in the last 6 years


Watch Jane Asher talking about the Parkinson's Brain Donor Appeal on BBC News Watch

 

 

Branch and individual activity

 

Party for Parkinson's hostess Joanne Mellerup (right) with friend Michelle WilliamsDuring Parkinson's Awareness Week 2009, hundreds of our branch and support group members and other supporters organised events such as parties, charity concerts, raffles, football matches and golf days to raise money and awareness.

 

Joanne Mellerup (pictured right with friend Michelle Williams), from Dursley, Goucestershire was just one of the many fundraisers putting on a Party for Parkinson's. Joanne organised an 80s party in her local pub, raising over £500.

 

Thanks to everyone who took part. Maybe you have been inspired to hold your own event?


 

Flora London Marathon


PDS runner at London Marathon 2009Parkinson's Awareness Week concluded with the Flora London Marathon, the biggest fundraising event of the year for the Parkinson's Disease Society.


A huge thankyou goes to the 202 people who ran through the streets of London in an attempt to raise £275,000 to help support people with Parkinson's.


Read our news story Congratulations to PDS Flora London Marathon team

 

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