Chester woman with Parkinson’s encourages people in Cheshire to join Walk for Parkinson’s

Chester resident, Anna Morris, is preparing to take part in Walk for Parkinson’s at Alyn Waters Country Park in Wrexham on 27th June 2026.

She is encouraging others to join her in supporting Parkinson’s UK’s Nurse Appeal, which is aiming to raise £9m to fund Parkinson's nurses and other specialists.

Parkinson’s specialists are a lifeline for the 166,000 people in the UK living with Parkinson’s, but currently over 28,000 people with the condition lack access to them. The nationwide shortage in specialists plus a lack of understanding of Parkinson’s among other health and care professionals means that around 1 in 5 people with the condition are missing out on the expert care they desperately need.

Anna, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2018, was inspired to support Parkinson’s UK to help improve lives and raise awareness of how the condition shows up for people. She will be taking on the longer 5.4-mile route alongside her husband and their two dogs. So far, she has raised nearly £1,500 towards her fundraising target.

Anna says that Parkinson's affects her daily life and her husband provides support with everyday tasks and household chores. The diagnosis also had a significant impact on her two adult children, who have had to come to terms with their mum living with a progressive condition.

Anna said:

"Since my diagnosis, I have experienced first-hand the realities of living with Parkinson's. There are so many symptoms and no two days are ever the same. It can be difficult to feel dependent when you've always been an independent person, but I'm incredibly grateful for the support of my husband and family.

"I try to keep myself busy and active, and I'm determined to stay positive and not let Parkinson's define me. Sometimes our plans have to change, with shorter walks or earlier evenings, but my family are always understanding and supportive. I feel very fortunate to have them.

"I wanted to raise money because I know how important better support and specialist care is for people with Parkinson's. The condition isn't always well understood, and many people can feel like they're managing on their own. I also think it's vital to raise awareness so more people understand the experiences of people living with Parkinson's. I'd encourage anyone who can to come along and take part."

Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. Affecting 166,000 people in the UK, it has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is currently no cure.

Walk for Parkinson’s at Alyn Waters Country Park will take place on 27 June 2026, with two routes available: a 1.4 mile route and a longer, 5.4 mile route. It costs just £12 to sign up to Walk for Parkinson’s (under 18s go free!) and the suggested sponsorship target per person is £100.

All walkers will receive a fundraising pack with tips and advice, sponsorship forms and an exclusive Walk for Parkinson’s t-shirt to wear on the day. As well as walkers, the charity is on the look-out for volunteers to help on the day. Registration is open until 21 June 2026, 23:59.

Keri McKie, Wales Community Fundraiser at Parkinson’s UK Cymru, said:

“It’s inspiring to have people like Anna, who lives with Parkinson’s herself, sign up to support Walk for Parkinson’s to help raise money for Parkinson’s Nurse Appeal. The funds raised will aim to raise £9 million over three years to increase the number of Parkinson’s specialists across the UK. This will give thousands of people with Parkinson’s access to the specialist care they need.

“We hope as many people as possible will come along to take part in the walk, which promises to be lots of fun. We’re also keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in volunteering to support the smooth running of the event.”

To find out more about Walk for Parkinson’s and to sign up to walk or volunteer visit:

http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/walk-parkinsons

...or email:

walk@parkinsons.org.uk

Parkinson’s UK is the charity that’s here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way.

For information and support, visit:

http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/

...or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on:

0808 800 0303

Parkinson’s is a complex brain condition that has no cure and gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety. And Parkinson's is on the rise. Someone is diagnosed every 20 minutes in the UK today. By 2050, the number of people with Parkinson’s worldwide will double to 25 million.

Parkinson’s UK is the charity that’s here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. Wherever you’re from, whatever you need.

From searching for a cure and campaigning for better health and care, to funding research into groundbreaking new treatments and running life-changing support services. It’s all driven by one mission: improving life with Parkinson’s.