Our Parkinson’s group has completed a sponsored read, raising more than £300 for the Friends of Eastbourne Hospital.
Inspired by 101 year old Peter Valentine’s walking to raise money for Friends of Eastbourne Hospital, the members of our Parkinson’s group wanted to do their bit to contribute to the same cause.
Valerie Smith, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, supported the patients on the day.
“I was impressed by the group’s initiative to take part in a sponsored event,” said Valerie. “We wanted to support them to do something challenging but achievable, that was related to Speech and Language Therapy. My colleague Claire Bardo, Speech and Language Therapist, came up with the idea of a sponsored read and the group felt this would work well for them. I am really proud of them for taking part and persevering, particularly as reading aloud for extended periods of time can be extremely tiring for people with Parkinson’s.”
Reading with intent is part of the daily exercise programme our patients do in speech and language therapy. It is something people with Parkinson’s must practice every day, with the option of attending a weekly group sessions in addition.
“It can be difficult to maintain the motivation to do daily exercises long term,” continues Valerie. “Hopefully this brilliant achievement will give them a boost to keep going!”
For people with Parkinson’s, using their voice is crucial for preventing it from fading away completely as their condition progresses. Projecting their voice so they are heard is a constant effort, as the lack of dopamine in the brain reduces perception of what their own voice sounds like and reduces the motivation to practise speaking.
Participating members said:
“I wouldn’t have managed the sponsored read without the course and exercises given by the speech and language therapists. You wouldn’t have understood me.”
“All the clinicians are ultra-professional and no activity is repeated from one week to the next.”
We’re so proud of the group for their commitment and for raising such a fantastic amount of money. Harry Walmsley, Chair of Friends of Eastbourne Hospital, said:
“The Parkinson’s group has raised a fabulous amount and the Friends are very grateful to them. Peter is an incredible man and he will be delighted to know that his reach has extended to the group and that his efforts were the catalyst for the challenge they undertook. It is wonderful that we can all inspire each other in our fundraising efforts.”
Learn more about the Friends of Eastbourne Hospital.