This post reports on a research seminar, primarily for Research Support Network volunteers in the South West, held in Bristol on October 18th. Bristol has two world-class centres for Parkinson’s research – Frenchay hospital and the University of Bristol. The seminar was an opportunity for volunteers to hear about Parkinson’s projects at the two sites, meet the researchers and get to know each other.
More about the background to the day and notes on the various talks are at https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/50469315/Frenchay%20seminar%20forum%20report%2014-11-13.pdf . Take a look.
We post this item on Forum for three main reasons:
* So that the proceedings of the day are available to anyone interested
* To encourage RSN volunteers to consider organising similar events in other regions at other centres of Parkinson’s research. The day was considered a great success by researchers and audience alike. Organising it was a stimulating teamwork project in itself, involving RSN volunteers, the researchers, regional and national Parkinson’s UK staff and the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.
* To publicise the important GDNF clinical trial now starting at Frenchay hospital. (See notes on talk no. 6 via the link above). The trial needs recruits! So do consider volunteering to take part if you are between 35-75 yrs old, have had Parkinson’s for more than 5 years, have some fluctuations in your symptoms, and live within reasonable travelling range of Bristol.
There’s more information about the trial on the Parkinson’s UK website at http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/content/clinical-trial-test-drug-gdnf-people-parkinsons . The contact at Frenchay is Lucy Mooney, Lead Movement Disorder Nurse Specialist / Senior Research Nurse, Functional Neurological Centre, Frenchay Hospital: [email protected] , tel 0117 3403856.
So whether it’s arranging a research event or participating in a clinical trial, go for it!
Sue Whipps, Mid-Cornwall branch
Richard Hill, Taunton & Mid-Somerset branch