Parkinson's Awareness Week 2009

Parkinson's Awareness Week 2009 (20-26 April 2009) was extra special because it took place during our 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

We 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 0808 800 0303, 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

Award winning

Our Parkinson's Brain Donor Appeal also won:

• the Third Sector Excellence Award 2009 for Best Communications Campaign
• the PR Week Award 2009 for best not-for-profit campaign in the Corporate and Public category
• the award for best NGO campaign in the International Public Relations Assocation (IPRA) Golden World Awards for Excellence 2010

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

Branch and individual activity

During Parkinson's Awareness Week 2009, hundreds of our local groups, members and other supporters organised events such as parties, charity concerts, raffles, football matches and golf days to raise money and awareness.

Joanne Mellerup from Dursley, Gloucestershire 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?

London Marathon

Parkinson's Awareness Week concluded with the Flora London Marathon, the biggest fundraising event of the year for us.

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 2009 Flora London Marathon team.

And find out about what happened during Parkinson's Awareness Week 2010.

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