Proceeds from former district council Chair’s fundraising events donated to Parkinson’s UK Lichfield and District Branch
A former Chair of Lichfield District Council has presented money raised during his year in office to a district support group for people with Parkinson’s disease and their carers.
Councillor Barry Gwilt, who was Chair in 2021/22, raised £436 through a civic lunch at Bishop’s Palace in The Close in November last year and other fundraising activities.
On Thursday 8 December he visited a meeting of Parkinson’s UK Lichfield and District Branch at Martin Heath Hall on Christchurch Lane and presented the money to members.
Councillor Gwilt said:
“I think the group is very important as it helps people with the condition to stay active, provides a place where they can meet and enables their carers to get a bit of respite.
“My mum, Jacqueline Gwilt, died of Parkinson’s seven years ago in December 2015. When, as Chair of the district council you get to raise money for charity, it was Parkinson’s UK for me.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported me during my year of office.”
The Chair of Parkinson’s UK Lichfield and District Branch, Margaret Davies said:
“We are absolutely delighted to receive the money particularly as Barry’s mum was a member of the group.
“As there is no cure for Parkinson’s our aim with the group is to do as much as we can to relieve the symptoms.
“We do activities including Tai Chi and Yoga at Martin Heath Hall and speech and swallowing therapy online and we also have a carers’ group where we meet once a month for coffee.
“It gives carers a break for a little while – it can be a lonely path looking after someone with Parkinson’s.”
Mrs Davies said the donation from Councillor Gwilt would be used to help the group continue and fund the Tai Chi, Yoga, speech therapy and carers group.
“Our heartfelt thanks to Barry for donating the money to us,” she added.
Parkinson’s UK Lichfield and District Branch meets on the second Thursday of every month from 2pm to 4pm at Martin Heath Hall in Christchurch Lane, Lichfield.
There is no charge, but a raffle is held to cover the cost of the hall and guest speakers.
For more information about the group call Margaret Davies on 01543 264465.
Caption: Former Chair of Lichfield District Council, Councillor Barry Gwilt, presents a cheque to members of Parkinson’s UK Lichfield and District Branch