Marischal
College will be lit up in blue on Thursday, April 11 to mark
World Parkinson’s Day and support Parkinson’s UK’s ‘Make it Blue’ campaign.
The
charity’s campaign aims to shine a light on the daily lives of people living
with Parkinson’s Disease.
Parkinson’s
is a progressive neurological disorder with about 40 different symptoms with
every person’s set of symptoms affecting them differently. It mostly affects
movement and balance and it can result in muscular stiffness and tremors. It
affects about 1% of people over the age of 60.
Aberdeen
Lord Provost Dr David Cameron said: “World Parkinson’s Day on 11 April is an
opportunity to highlight the importance of recognising the increasing number of
people suffering from this potentially debilitating condition and also support
medical research aiming to minimise the effects of Parkinson’s Disease on
everyone unfortunate enough to be diagnosed in the future”
A
spokesperson from Parkinson’s UK said: “This year, we want the brilliant
Parkinson’s community to come together and Make It Blue. That’s because, while
living with Parkinson’s is challenging, one thing stands out: you’re not
alone.”
Marischal College
Last
year, Depute Provost Councillor Steve Delaney, who has been living with
Parkinson’s for a number of years, spoke
openly about his diagnosis and his determination to carry on working.
Councillor
Steve Delaney, Depute Provost said: “I love my work even though it’s often a
struggle to get up in the morning, to get to sleep at night and to work around
so many of the annoying and frustrating challenges this illness presents. But I
will not allow an illness to define me or to curtail what I do.
“I
have had good support from Parkinson’s UK, my consultant, friends, family and
colleagues. If you are concerned you might have Parkinson’s don’t try to turn a
blind eye to it as it’s not going to go away!
“Untreated
Parkinson’s is not just debilitating it is also entirely avoidable. Go to your
GP and ask to get checked out by a Parkinson’s specialist. Although there is
presently no cure, getting onto the right medication regime will lead to a much
improved quality of life”.
Further
information can be found on the Parkinson’s UK website: Homepage | Parkinson's UK
(parkinsons.org.uk)