Parkinson's Awareness Week 19 - 25 April 2010

This year Parkinson's Awareness Week will run from Monday 19 to Sunday 25 April 2010 and we will be holding events across the UK.

Parkinson's Awareness Week is designed to raise awareness of the condition and raise money to help us find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's.

Celebrity supporters

This year celebrities are getting in on the act with ex-Gladiator Amy Guy jumping from a plane at 14,000ft for the charity as part of a mass skydive on Saturday 17 April.

Actor Ben Hull, who has been in Coronation Street, Casualty and played Lewis Richardson in Hollyoaks for six and a half years, is running the Virgin London Marathon for us on Sunday 25 April.

Ben will be joined by 170 other runners, including Clare Jones, daughter-in-law of Sir David Jones, former chairman of JJB sports, who has Parkinson's.

How you can get involved

During Parkinson's Awareness Week last year, 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.

Below are some ideas on how you can help us this year:

• Party for Parkinson's
  You can hold any kind of party you like, from a coffee morning to a disco. Whatever you raise will go towards helping people with Parkinson's, their families and carers.

• Hold your own event
  Whether you raise £5 or £500, you can make a difference. Whatever event you choose to hold, your support will go a long way in helping people affected by Parkinson's in the UK.

• Cheer our runners at the London Marathon
  Come along on Sunday 25 April to cheer our runners and give them a boost.

• Make a donation
  We are totally dependent on voluntary donations. It's only with your help that we can continue to fund ground breaking research projects, and provide support and information to everyone affected by Parkinson's.

• Join our National Campaigns Network
  Get regular updates about the our national campaigning work and how you can get involved. Together we can fight for a fairer deal for people affected by Parkinson's.

• Volunteer at your local branch
  Volunteering with one of our local groups is a good way to meet new people and get involved with your local community.

UK events you can take part in

Skydive
17 April 2010
Parachute for Parkinson's

Dare Valley Nature Walk
24 April 2010
Choose your own distance on this circular walk around Dare Valley Country Park in South Wales.

Hardwick Hall Walk
25 April 2010
Challenge yourself to a 9 mile circular walk through the beautiful Hardwick Estate in Derbyshire.

London Marathon
25 April 2010
Cheer our runners and give them a boost.

Tell people

Share your activities on our Facebook page or share your photos on Flickr. If you want help publicising your event contact the Media team on pr@parkinsons.org.uk