Film star Dougray Scott urges people to sign up for Parkinson's walk at Brodie Castle

FILM star Dougray Scott – whose father lived with Parkinson's – is urging people to take part in a fundraising walk at Brodie Castle in Moray.

Parkinson's is now the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. In the UK there are 145,000 people living with Parkinson's.

Every hour, two more people are diagnosed. That's the same as 18,000 people every year and 1 in 37 people alive today will be diagnosed with Parkinson's in their lifetime.

In Scotland, there are 12,400 people living with Parkinson’s - which is around one in every 375 adults.

Anyone can get Parkinson’s, young or old. Parkinson’s is what happens when the brain cells that make dopamine start to die. There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety. Some are treatable, but the drugs can have serious side effects. It gets worse over time and, as yet, there’s no cure.

Parkinson’s UK is the largest charitable funder of Parkinson’s research in Europe.

Dougray Scott is calling on people across Scotland to help change the future of Parkinson’s by walking in the footsteps of history at Brodie Castle

Members of the public are being invited to sign up for this year’s Walk for Parkinson’s, which takes place at Brodie Castle near Forres on Sunday, September 11.

People of all ages and abilities are being encouraged to step out and take part - to help raise awareness and funding for Parkinson’s UK.

There are two routes to follow – ranging from one mile and to six miles – winding through the grounds at the historic Brodie Castle; the ancestral home of the Brodie clan for over 400 years. Walkers will enjoy views of the ponds and Culbin Forest en route. The walk starts at 11am.

Registration closes on Sunday, September 4 and to take part go to www.parkinsons.org.uk/walkforparkinsons

Dougray said: “My dad lived with Parkinson’s for many years so I’ve experienced first-hand the huge impact this condition has on people’s daily lives - whether that’s someone living with it, or their family, friends and carers.

“When you take part in Walk for Parkinson’s, you’re walking for breakthroughs in Parkinson’s research. Every penny will help fund Parkinson’s UK’s vital work to ensure we find better treatments and a cure for this devastating condition.”

Helen Morgan, a 61-year-old former nurse from Elgin, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s ten years ago. She will be taking part in the Walk for Parkinson’s at Brodie Castle in September. Walking the six-mile route with her husband, Helen is setting out to raise £100.

Helen said: “I was 51 when I was diagnosed, which I felt was too young. Taking part will hopefully raise awareness of the condition. So ten years on there is only slight change in my condition, and most of the time I don’t display a tremor, but I have a constant internal tremor, a bit like butterflies.

"This condition is so much more than the tremor. I might have Parkinson’s, but Parkinson’s doesn’t have me.”

“I was working as a senior charge nurse when I was diagnosed. I was surprised, but had to accept it and get on with life and living. I now volunteer with Parkinson’s UK as an educator, providing an Introduction to Parkinson’s for care staff. And exercise is important. I play lawn bowls during the summer months and carpet bowls during the winter. I also attend a weekly exercise class for Parkinson’s. The social aspect of these activities is important to my well

being.”

To make a donation to Helen’s fundraising visit: https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraisers/helenmorgan

Ann Rowe, head of regional fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world and currently there is no cure. Current treatments aren’t good enough, and people can experience distressing side effects from their medication. Parkinson’s UK is leading the way towards research breakthroughs, but we need your support.”

To take part in Walk for Parkinson’s, visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/walkforparkinsons