Castletown coffee morning to raise cash for Parkinson's

A coffee morning in Castletown this weekend will help raise money for people in Caithness affected by Parkinson's.

There will also be a bric-a-brac sale and cake stall at the event on Saturday, May 27, which is supported by the Caithness Parkinson's UK Support Group.

It will take place at the Castletown and Community Free Church between 10am and noon.

The Caithness Parkinson’s UK Support Group offers support, information and friendship to people with the condition as well as their family members and friends.

The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month – except July, August and January – at 2pm. The venue alternates between the Norseman Hotel in Wick and the Pentland Hotel in Thurso.

Each month there is a speaker and the topics vary. Sometimes it might be something of local interest, and at other times information on Parkinson’s will be shared, often by an expert in the field.

Neil Morrison, chairman of the local group, explained that Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. It is progressive and there is currently no cure. It’s often referred to as the shaky disease, but it’s possible to have Parkinson’s and no tremor.

There are over 40 different symptoms – motor and non-motor – but everyone’s experience is different. Motor symptoms include rigidity, tremor, muscle cramps and slowness of movement. Non-motor symptoms can include insomnia, anxiety, memory loss and mental fatigue. Loss of sense of smell or cramped handwriting can be early indicators of the condition.

For more information, see the group’s Facebook page: Caithness Support Group Parkinson’s UK or contact Neil Morrison on 07584 837422, or via email: neilsm13@hotmail.com

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