WINTER 2013

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Dear Friends,

It is hard to believe we are coming to the end of another year and it has been a year of activity. In this end of year edition I would like to share with you some of the major events we have had. We held our first Unity walk in Dublin for World Awareness week and this was marked with the planting of an Aspen tree in St Stephens Green by the Taoiseach and Lord Mayor of Dublin. We have introduced a regular giving leaflet and also a GP information leaflet. Our CEO took a group of trekkers on a very successful fundraising trip to China and to date have raised in the region of €20,000. The PAI was also delighted to be involved in the set dancing conference in Feakle and this has triggered significant interest in set dancing as a form of exercise for people with Parkinson’s.

As we start looking towards 2014 we have ambitious plans for the association and we will outlining these in a series of consultation meetings we plan to hold with branch chairs and members. This promises to be an exciting time for the Parkinson’s Association and I am looking forward to the outputs of these discussions.

I would like to sign off 2013 with a thank you to the National Office staff who have worked hard this year to deliver a number of significant changes. Thank you to all the branch committees who work very hard to ensure our members get the services they need, and finally a thank you to all our members, this is your association and we need your feedback and ideas to help us continue to deliver the supports and services you want.

Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Pat O’Rourke

ThRough ThE ChaIR

Pat O’RourkeChairman

CONTENTS 2 Through the Chair Pat O’Rourke 3 Parkinson’s Alert Card SMS Text Donation

4 Ann Keilthy’s Story 17 years serving the PAI 6 Parkinson’s World Congress

8 Declan’s Story Living with Parkinson’s10 EPDA 2013

11 Research Freezing Gait Parkinson’s Disease Research Centre12 Parkinson’s China Trek

14 Branch Spotlight East Midlands Branch16 Fundraising Dublin City Marathon Introducing Mark O’Toole Sinead Ford’s Run-a-Muck Challenge

17 Branch News

21 Other News Christmas Concert Tribute to a Carer22 2013 Roundup

23 Crossword Competition Christmas Order Form

We make every effort to be as accurate as possible, and in the event of a mistake being made, it is our policy to acknowledge it in the following quarter’s publication.

The material herein is for your information only, and does not represent advice. No changes to your treatment regime should be made without the prior agreement of your consultant or GP.

Parkinson’s Association of Ireland, Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7Tel: 01 872 2234Email: info@parkinsons.ieWeb: www.parkinsons.ieFreephone Helpline: 1800 359 359

Company registered in Ireland No. 123532, CHY No. 10816Registered address as above

Winter 2013 | 3

FEEDBaCKIf you have a Parkinson’s story you’d like to share, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you at info@parkinsons.ie

CALENDAR of EVENTS

DECEMBER s Christmas Concert - 5th December - Red Cow Hotel

CLOSING DATES CHRISTMAS 2013 The staff of our National Office would like to wish all our members a very healthy and happy Christmas. We would like to thank all our branches for their continued support throughout the year.

Our National Office will be closed from 24th December and will re-open on Thursday 2nd January 2014.

Helpline will not operate from 24th December to 1st January 2014 but will be monitored over this period.

Please contact your GP or Neurologist between these dates if you feel you need to discuss your condition.

CROSSWORD WINNERThe winner of the last crossword puzzle was Sharon Harris. Sharon wins a €25.00 one4all voucher.

Everyone seems to have a smartphone these days. We can all talk about apps, tweets, skype, android and IOS while tapping those little screens. Gone are the days, it seems, of using a phone simply for making telephone calls! Parkinson’s

Association of Ireland has moved with the times and embraced mobile technology to offer you the option of SMS Text Donation, a smart way to give, where you can

donate €2 to us by texting PARKINSONS to 50300. It’s as easy as that.

Text PARKINSONS to 50300 to donate €2- (Service provider Likecharity 01-4433890)

100% of your donation goes directly to Parkinson’s!

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In the past, the Parkinson’s association had issued each member with an alert card. The printing of these alert cards was sponsored by a Pharmaceutical company. These cards were very popular with our members and we quickly ran out of stock. We had many requests over time for these cards and we were unable to get funding for a re-print.

Finola Cowman from Wexford kindly donated money specifically for the re print of these alert cards. On behalf of the Association and all our members we would like to say a big thank you to Finola.

We have included an alert card for each member in this issue of the magazine. If you are aware of anyone with Parkinson’s who would benefit from one of these cards, please pass on our contact details. Freephone 1800 359 359 or email info@parkinsons.ie

Alert Card

www.parkinsons.ie

after over 17 years serving the Parkinson’s association of Ireland in different capacities ann Keilthy is retiring from the board of the PaI. here, our CEo interviews ann.

aNN KEIlThy’s sToRy

Q. ann 17 years is a long time to be involved at committee level in an organisation. Can you give the readers a brief history of the various posts you have held.

A. Over the past 17 years I have been Hon Sec of PALS (1996-2011), Chair and Vice Chair of PALS (2011-2013), a member of the National Management Team of PAI from 2003, and then Public Relations Officer (PRO) until approx 2008. I have also sat on the board of the Carmichael Centre, Parkinson’s Association of Ireland and EPDA. I represented PAI at two of the three World Parkinson’s Congresses.

I was the magazine editor of the Parkinson’s Association magazine from 2003-2010. My last act as PRO was to contact Kevin Bowers, RTE Health Correspondent the morning of the launch of the PAI’s strategic plan. He came to the launch in the Mansion House and it made the TV news that night.

Q. ann you have given years of service to the Parkinson’s association of Ireland? Can you tell me how you came to be involved?

A. When I was diagnosed, I was very upset and frightened for the future. My husband Liam and I struggled to come to terms with a diagnosis at age 44. My personal struggle was overshadowed by a bad reaction to Sinemet. Liam found the number of the Association in the phone book and I contacted them. While they could not help with medication problems, I was referred to a Mr. David Magennis, who ran an informal gathering for those of a younger age.

Little did I know that ahead was friendship and inspiration, as, along with Sean Doody, we put PALS on a more official footing. So I became involved with PALS but not otherwise with PAI.

In 2002 a drastic realignment of PAI took place, after which there was an Executive Committee in place. After some to-ing and fro-ing, Sid Rellis and then Una Anderson Ryan became Chair, and she asked me to produce a colour A4 news magazine. I also handled publicity as a member of the Management Team. We worked together well. This description could not even come close to describing our work for PAI, full time, unpaid, but totally absorbing. With the assistance of a pharmaceutical company, we organised the first National Information meeting in April 2004. At the time computers were not used as much as now, and we registered and communicated with delegates by post. This was a hugely ambitious project that turned out better than we could have hoped for, with almost 700 lunches served, international speakers, and TV coverage.

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Ann and PAI Chairman Pat O’Rourke

Winter 2013 | 5

Q. What would you see as the highlights of the PaI during your time?

A. Pulling myself back in from the memories! I suppose the evolvement of the association into a modern charity, while it was completed mainly by Una, whose mind was always switched on to PAI’s best advantage, would be the most significant thing. I did the quarterly magazines, helped run PALS, and PR whenever possible. There was a significant amount of freedom, but gradually the more normal checks and balances of a modern organisation were put in place, the last major one being putting the Board into place.

Q. I have been with you at two major events and you are well recognised - how did this come about?

A. I helped organise Patient Information Days, and found myself responsible for the technical aspects - making sure the equipment - projectors, laptops, mics, etc. were in place and being the one to intervene if something went wrong. I also invited and dealt with the guest speakers. For some years I spoke at these days describing my own Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) experience. I also did most of the

PR, albeit on a diminishing basis, until the appointment of the first Development Manager, and I guess it would be hard not to be recognised given these circumstances.

I gathered material (mainly the speakers’ presentations from the Info days) and organised it into information leaflets. I put the first version of the PAI website together, having previously created the website I used for PALS, which incidentally was twice shortlisted for a Goldenspiders award. Most of this was achieved working from home, and again mainly working with Una Anderson Ryan.

Q. Whilst you have stepped down from the board, you still have a lot to give. Do you have any plans developing?

A. I am still involved on the board of the EPDA for another year; I have stepped back somewhat from PALS [Chair last year, Vice Chair this year], but am still representing Parkinson’s on the board of the Neurological Association of Ireland.

I intend to continue with my involvement as part of the editorial team, and I find myself more and more being the only one [Una having retired some months ago] who knows the history of the organisation, and the background to some items or actions. I can see perhaps a slot for an archivist.... Obviously this will lessen over time. I have a regular set of speaking engagements that I fulfil each year (DBS); otherwise, as the National Office gradually takes over responsibility for things, I am evolving into a Person with Parkinson’s.

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Ann and Una Anderson Ryan

Ann Keilthy with Susanna Lindvall, EPDA Vice-

President at the Unity Walk in Amsterdam in 2012

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www.parkinsons.ie

PaRKINsoN’s WoRlD CoNgREss 2013Keith Adams CEO Parkinson’s Association of Ireland

Where to start? This was my first experience of a world congress and I had no idea what to expect when planning to head off to Montreal. on arrival what I saw was a well run congress with something for everyone. Whether you were a health care professional, a person with Parkinson’s, a carer or other interested party the vast range of seminars and activities meant you were spoilt for choice. Below are some of the stories from those who were fortunate enough to attend. I would strongly recommend that for the next world congress to be held in Portland, Oregon 2016 you should start planning now. It will be well worth the journey.

Tim Kelly Chairperson PALS

30th September. Registration began which eventually amounted to 3,300 delegates!

1st October, there was a choice of three pre-conference courses-

1. Fundamentals of PD2. Interdisciplinary care and PD 3. Science and Advocacy.

The session was opened by Tom Isaacs at 9.15 and after that a new speaker every quarter hour until 16.30. One was free to move from one course to the next as suited your interests. At 18.30 the opening ceremony was held and was followed by a welcome reception.

2nd October- day one of the congress began at 8am with scientific papers followed by Plenary session and Parallel sessions of varying degree of scientific content. Again one was

free to choose between the papers being read. In the afternoon the workshops and round tables began, covering a wide range of subjects. This was the pattern of the congress for the rest of the week- a pick and mix experience of varied technicality from “how specific neurons die to healing laughter exercises”

On Friday we had wrap up and reception with Quebec hospitality. All week there was a poster exhibition including three from Ireland, delegates were given a CD of abstracts of the papers. Any delegate I met was more than pleased with the experience, contacts and knowledge gained and the craic at the social evenings especially with the Voices of Hope Choir from Ireland.

Roscommon to Montreal

From October 1st to 4th Marie Gunning (Nurse) and Anita Connaughton (Parkinson’s Patient) from the Roscommon Branch attended the World Parkinson Congress in Montreal and we felt privileged to be two of the 3,000+ people in attendance.

Given the enormity of the congress it is difficult to capture the event in this short article. The theme was advancing science, Inspiring hope and Connecting Community. It was attended by Neuroscientist, Clinicians, Health Professionals, Nurses, people living with Parkinson’s, Carers and Family Members from over 60 countries. All were joined in the one goal which was to empower Parkinson’s patients to improve their quality of life with the ultimate goal being to find a cure for this disease.

We were educated by renowned international experts in Plenary sessions, Workshops and Roundtables.

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Winter 2013 | 7

Marie attended sessions relevant to her profession and learned of the different models of care which are being delivered to people with Parkinson’s throughout the world.

Activities such as singing, Dancing, yoga and Thai-Chi were going on everyday in the renewal room and were fun to join in as well as being beneficial for Parkinson’s patients. The renewal room helped create an atmosphere of relaxation during the hectic days of the congress.

The exhibit hall was amazing with all the different exhibits from different countries including all the up to date technology used to help improve the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients. Over 600 posters -some Scientific, some Living with Parkinson’s - were submitted by the registrants. These posters contained a wealth of knowledge and information.

It was a hectic few days starting at 8 am every morning and finishing at 5 pm in the evening, but our experience was rich and we left with renewed energy, lots of knowledge and information to share, and hope for the future. We are enthusiastic to share all the information with our members here at the Roscommon Branch, with the hope it will make a difference and empower patients to improve their quality of life.

The congress was a meeting of hope, the hope for a cure, the hope for a better quality of life and a unique learning opportunity for us. It will always remain a truly special event in our lives.

Ann Keilthy PALS

The opening ceremony of the WPC was an emotional affair, with several pwps on the podium amongst the speakers, including Bob

Kuhn, who had the audience in tears with his description of caring for his wife and her eventual transfer into a full time nursing home facility.

Dr. Christine Kline from the Institute of Neurogenetics in Lubeck, Germany gave a fascinating presentation which singled out lifestyle for special attention when defining the causes of Parkinson’s. While it cited well water, rural living and farming as increasing the risk, there was another statistic that almost fell off the page: people who chain-smoked and drank coffee had a 35% lower chance of developing Parkinson’s, whereas the inverse held true for non smokers. Pretty interesting material! There was a need for a standardisation of research parameters, with the ultimate objective of early intervention.

Some presentations are available online - check the WPC website! This was such a huge congress you could possibly never see your fellow delegates from Ireland. There was a poster exhibition and PAI had one demonstrating the perceptions of pwps by others. For more information contact Ann through the PAI office.

Messages on the Wall of Hope

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www.parkinsons.ie

DEClaN’s sToRyIt’s 7am and I am awakened by the gentle beep of my alarm clock. It’s time to take my medication: stalevo 150mg, 10mg Requip, 5mg Eldepryl, Vitamin C and E. I lay back having swallowed my tablets and a glass of water. sometimes I go back to sleep, and at other times I just listen to the radio and await for the explosion of these compounds within my body and brain which allow me to shower and shave, and begin another day’s journey with my Parkinson’s disease.

At times I feel cheated by my having Parkinson’s disease. It is an unexciting disease, not good enough to play in the Premier League of Diseases, it seems content to kick the ball around in the lower leagues. As it is merely “life changing” and not “life threatening”, it seems not to attract much support or awareness. Sometimes I wonder if it was renamed “The Muhammad Ali Syndrome” would it make a difference. It seems to be missing that elusive “X” factor.

I realise that I am one of the lucky ones. Lucky because I was chosen for assessment for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery and travelled to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol in April 2011. I underwent a raft of tests and was informed that the team felt that DBS could improve my condition. I agreed immediately, it seemed like a no brainer (pardon the pun) a case of “Deal or No Deal” and I didn’t wish to go home empty handed. For me DBS became another way of spelling hope.

DBS, in brief, is having two pins inserted into the region of the brain which controls movement. They are wired to a stimulator located under my collar bone, which I can regulate with a simple to use hand held device, but for most of the time I don’t need to change the settings. DBS gave me an effective way to manage the symptoms of my Parkinson’s disease which are freezing, rigidity and stiffness. However, although DBS is not a cure, it is a management tool. Parkinson’s disease remains for life, it is progressive and so far no cure has been discovered.

Adversity is a good teacher, and when faced with Parkinson’s I feel we need to think strong (I dislike the term “positive thinking”). Thinking strong is about setting goals and facing challenges while remaining realistic. Strength and wisdom produce determination and motivation.

It is said that everyone’s experience of Parkinson’s disease is somewhat unique. I would describe mine as a creeping paralysis which began in 2003 soon after my appointment as Parish Priest of Rowlagh and Quarryvale in Clondalkin. It robbed me of movement and left me stuck in a chair for hours at a time. Medication worked in a haphazard manner. I could not promise to keep an appointment. I was at times unable to respond to the daily emergencies of parish life. Parkinson’s brings pressure to the simplest of tasks. Eventually, I realised that trying to work was itself a pressure

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all they try to do for those who arrive at their door. However I look forward to a time when all those with neurological problems will be able to access a centre of excellence, irrespective of means or location.

It is important that people who wake each morning with Parkinson’s disease begin to recognise that they too are experts as they live with this disease. We need to find our voice and tell our experience -

Parkinson’s needs to be heard from the inside out. Each person has a unique story to tell. One of the benefits is that we gain a little more control of our condition in reflecting and in telling our story.

Self-reliance and self-management are important in living with this disease. I have found that medication, exercise, diet and sleep are essential for many reasons. Hydration and common sense in what you eat or avoid are also helpful, if not essential. Throw in a short midday nap and a period of calmness and you might be surprised by the result.

When things are going wrong I find it useful to look at myself first and to see if I have inadvertently missed a tablet or altered my diet in some way. The answer is usually found within my own behaviour around diet or medication. I have to be responsible for myself and, in consultation with the medical team manage my Parkinson’s disease to its optimum level.

Winter 2013 | 9

which in turn triggered my condition, and so I eventually made the decision to retire from active ministry. Because my medication was not as effective as I needed, my daily struggle was like a mini Everest expedition where my rope kept breaking. At times I felt really depressed. Negativity overwhelmed me at times and I can remember on many nights crying myself to sleep. While I can now say that I was depressed, at the time I was unable to acknowledge or discuss this. In my defence I would argue that one needs time and space to reveal the sensitive details of one’s mental state. The atmosphere and the hustle and bustle of a hospital clinic, which is already stretched, is just not suitable for such

conversations. Depression for me was a huge burden and yet when I did speak about being depressed I was offered tablets which I did not want. For me, therapeutic help outside hospital was a better option. Coming to terms with my Parkinson’s disease was not easy and remains as an on-going task.

I no longer have unrealistic expectations as to what a neurologist or a Specialist Parkinson’s Nurse can do for me. I realise that they are working in a health system that is seriously dysfunctional, under-resourced and survives without a dedicated and focussed manager. If we continually strip our health system of funding, personnel and expertise how we can expect people to provide any more than a fire brigade service, with an annual visit to the clinic for the patient. The Neurologist and his team have given me as much time as possible and have endured my anger, depression and my unrealistic expectations. I am grateful for

““

I have to be responsible for myself

and, in consultation with the medical

team, manage my Parkinson’s

disease to its optimal level

Declan with nieces Orlaith and Aine

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www.parkinsons.ie

In september, ann Keilthy and I attended the European Parkinson’s Disease association (EPDa) - general assembly, in Warsaw, Poland. The EPDa is the only European Parkinson’s disease umbrella organisation.

The first workshop - Future plans, Strategic planning and organisational development, was a bit difficult to start and in the end we all gave a summary of where Parkinson’s support and activities were at in each country.

Almost all countries have problems with volunteers and keeping helpers involved. Norway seem to be very strong in keeping people at home with local and regional support. Such things as medical re-emburishment is also different in other countries- some only get 80% of meds free - others only get a select few free and have to pay for much equipment or supportive devices. Whereas switzerland have secured funding for e300,000 each year for services, their biggest issue is to change the public perception of PD- it’s not just an “old man’s disease“.

Heather Clarke, the EPDA adviser on Political affairs gave an excellent presentation on how Political awareness can guide us in developing an advocacy campaign.

Device aided Therapies session saw a Dutch Neurologist speak about the importance of optimal, timely treatment, which should be individualised and best for each patient. The three main therapies include, oral medications, apo/Duodopa pumps and Deep Brain stimulation (DBs). There is a therapeutic window for each of these treatments and all methods should be considered when appropriate and not to leave DBS to the end. It appears that better and longer effects may be achieved with starting DBS sooner rather than later. Here is another way PAI can help to advocate appropriate treatment in our own country. We

are still awaiting the final report from HIQUA regarding the feasibility of establishing a DBS service in Ireland. We need to follow this up or look at alternatives maybe in Northern Ireland, which would be more suitable for PwP and their families.

The Business meeting on Sunday was a well organised showcase of EPDA, with brief updates of projects, such as the awareness Campaign, Move for change, unity walks, “strong”, a Spanish project to gather information from all 300 groups in Spain - an Audit of services and Activities. “Regional projects” such as the Nordic countries (6) to work together to look at base line similarities, young people with PD, Rehabilitation issues, etc. This project, based in Finland, hopes to have a report by 2014. On-going European activities can be followed on EPDA website-www.epda.eu.com The AGM highlighted similar financial stresses to a voluntary organisation, but working together should help to continue the good work by all member organisations.

We had an enjoyable few days, meeting others involved with Parkinson’s activities. It opened my eyes to how we should use the EPDA more for support and guidance. A final quote which I felt summed up the weekend came from Susanna Lindvall the vice –president -

“Coming together is a beginning…..Keeping together is progress…Working together is success.”

Thank you to PAI for facilitating my attendance at this conference. Thanks also to Ann for introducing me to many European contacts and showing me the ropes at such a gathering.

2013 ByNicola Clarke Board member PAI

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Winter 2013 | 11

you are being invited to take part in a research study between the Dublin Neurological Institute at the Mater Misericordiae university hospital and Trinity College Dublin.Why is this study being done? 

The aim of this study is to better understand why freezing of gait occurs in patients with Parkinson’s disease. This information will be used to develop a training tool for use in the home designed to reduce the frequency and severity of freezing episodes and improve overall gait in those patients affected by this problem.

What does the study entail? 

The study will require 1-2 visits to Dublin Neurological Institute at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital/ Trinity Centre for Bioengineering for assessment. Following this, we will invite you to participate in the next stage of the study which involves training at home by stepping

We are currently looking for patients in the Cork area with Parkinson’s disease and control subjects to take part in our research. Control subjects can be family members, partners, friends or anyone who is interested in helping out.

in place in front of a computer screen as you navigate through a maze for 15-20 minutes per day for a period of 3-4 weeks.

Who are We looking for? 

We are looking to recruit any patients with (idiopathic) Parkinson’s who experience freezing of gait (the feeling that your feet are glued to the floor momentarily while walking, turning or trying to start walking) at least once per week. We are also recruiting any patients with Parkinson’s disease who do not experience freezing of gait for comparison purposes.

If you have any questions, please contact: Dr Conor Fearon, Dublin Neurological Institute at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles St, Dublin 7. Email: cfearon@tcd.ie

We have a number of ongoing research projects. They include:Investigation of autonomic symptoms and pain in Parkinson’s disease. The autonomic system is involved with regulating your blood pressure, heart rate, bowels and bladder, sweating and skin temperature. Recent research has shown that both pain and autonomic symptoms are frequently present in patients with Parkinson’s disease, but may not be widely recognised. For this test it will involve coming into CUH for a half hour session and we’ll do some testing on the nerves in your feet and arms. We will then look at your ability to recognise hot and cold temperatures.

Investigation of biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease. In this study we want to find proteins in the blood and/or spinal fluid that may be either increased or decreased in people with Parkinson’s disease compared to healthy subjects. If we find such proteins this will aid diagnosis of people that may have PD and potentially enable future work on treatments at very early stages of this condition.

If you are interested in learning more about our research studies in Cork you can visit our website at http://www.ucc.ie/en/pdrc/. alternatively, you can contact us via mobile at 0858149380 or via email at PDresearch@ucc.ie.

REsEaRCh

Parkinson’s Disease Research Centre (PDRC)

Freezing of Gait in Parkinson’s Disease Study

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www.parkinsons.ie

PaRKINsoN’s ChINa TREKhaving just returned from a very successful fundraising trek along part of the great wall of China one of our intrepid trekkers captures what it was like. Ronnie gillanders traveled from sligo to China and tells his story.

What brought a Banker, an Investments Manager, a Student, a Landlord, a Utilities Manager, a CEO, a Nurse, a Midwife, a Dentist, a Chef and a Jeweller half way around the world? It was to walk on one of the Great wonders of the world, “The Great Wall of China” in order to raise much needed funding for the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland. Did I hear somebody say easy peasy? Great! Then try this. Do about 65 kilometres,1000’s of paces and climb roughly 12,000 stone steps varying in height from 3 inches to 18 inches, and in varying state of repair. To add to the difficulty, the wall was following the ridges of the numerous mountain peaks in the area.

The Trek was magnificently organised by the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland. We had louise lawrence of Earths Edge as Team Leader and Cheivey Wu as Chinese Guide to lead us on our journey providing local knowledge.

The Wall’s origin was explained to us by the Chinese guide Cheivey Wu and its significance to the varying Chinese Dynasties, especially the Ming Dynasty.

If you stopped, closed your eyes and thought about it you could almost hear the tramp of thousands of soldiers who manned its walls. We could only imagine how many men

suffered harsh, brutal conditions and how many succumbed and gave up life to be buried in the wall – a long forgotten statistic.

The wall was built of stone steps, flag stones and brick and the interior was filled with a mixture of clay, sand and lime and Cheivey told us of the repairs carried out over the centuries especially by the Ming Dynasty. We coped with unrepaired wall where the going was rough. We quite often climbed a relentless 200 to 300 stone steps at a time. When we looked up at some of those steep inclines, it appeared as though they were a stairway to heaven! Even more frightening was descending 200 to 300 steps, and to miss a step could have meant an injury. Members of the group had various means of decent - some on their bottom because of the effects of old injuries on their knees. Some parts were so narrow and high that people like me had to crawl on their hands and knees to get to the other side.

The group were well marshalled with Cheivey almost always in the lead and Louise up and down the line watching out for particularly difficult or dangerous parts. The more agile of the group gave assistance at those parts which left Donogh Cotter, the Doctor bringing up the rear to see that nobody was left behind and to look after the amazingly few scratches, etc.

There was slagging, there was encouragement, there was genuine concern for the welfare of each other. As father of the group I’d hear “is Ronnie there?” “Are you alright Ronnie?” There were the jokes, once a certain lady

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Winter 2013 | 13

laughed so hard that she couldn’t contain herself and wet her pants. But it was a windy day and she had a blow dry. The good looking student Danielle kept the cameras clicking with people

wanting photos of her. There were the people caught in awkward climbing positions. The lady who was negotiating an awkward decent in reverse and a guy at the bottom with a camera, somebody said “take a photograph” and he said “no I haven’t got a wide angle lens!” The treks through undulating forest paths where some people tested the seat of their pants sliding down after coming to grief on the loose gravel that was in places.

There was the homestays where hot water and heat were scarce and to wear a fleece in bed was almost essential. One guy woke up in the early morning to find his roommate in bed with him. His roommate said he was damned if he was going to freeze to death!

I was agitating to see a local Chinese pub and the group obliged despite having very little

sleep the night before. We finally made our way into a deserted restaurant and a Chinese girl behind a counter was mesmerised to see 14 strangers appearing out the darkness with no cars. She could not speak English and we couldn’t speak Chinese so it was difficult to explain what we wanted was a drink.

Finally she summoned help and we again disappeared into the dark Chinese night with two expensive bottles of wine leaving a baffled Chinese girl behind us.

We had some yarns and singsongs to keep ourselves amused.

We had some eventful bus trips and came to know our bus driver as a positive thinker who could manoeuvre his bus in and out between traffic, very often relying on the intimidation of other drivers to give way to him, not without a chorus of horns! U turns and three point turns on city highways were his speciality.

We saw some of the sights of Beijing, one of the largest cities of the world, namely Tiananmen square, The forbidden city and the olympic village.

At our final grand dinner we were presented with Chinese medals of achievement by an exuberant (and on a couple of occasions

emotional) Keith Adams, CEO of Parkinson’s Association. A nice touch Keith. I think we all experienced emotion from time to time – none more so than myself and so a group who came together for various reasons and who got on famously, but all with charity and the welfare of others in mind, finally went our separate ways. There were the usual promises of we must get together again sometime.

For me this was a great personal achievement. Will I ever walk the Great Wall of China again? No, been there done that and I definitely have worn the T shirt!

Following the great success of our China Trek, we are hoping to run a Camino Trek in april-June 2014. If you are interested in taking part in this fundraising challenge for Parkinson’s association of Ireland, contact sabrina or Mark at 01-8722234 or email office@parkinsons.ie

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How It All Began - Charlie Talbot Founder Member And Carer

The East Midlands branch grew out of an information meeting held in 1997 in the Johnstown Inn, Co. Kildare. This event was arranged by Michael Brady and the Parkinson’s association. about twenty people attended, the principal business being a talk given by David Magennis, father of Brian Magennis who is now a clinical nurse specialist, specialising in Parkinson’s and movement disorders in the Neurological Institute at Dublin’s Mater hospital.

www.parkinsons.ie

BRaNCh sPoTlIghT

About a month later, Michael Brady hosted a meeting, on a fine summer’s afternoon, at his house in the Village of Kill, at which a total of six people attended. The meeting was commendably short, Michael being both a kindly host and an efficient manager of such events. It was agreed to establish a branch of the PAI to be known as Kildare and District Parkinson’s to serve “County Kildare and convenient areas of adjacent counties”. Officers were elected and a sum of £50 was gladly received from the national association to help get the branch underway. Of those who attended at the meeting, three who remained loyal members of the association have passed on, while the other three are still members of the successor, East Midlands Branch.

Michael Brady who had been the original driving force behind the branch, and was also very active at national level, moved to Co. Waterford and was replaced as chairperson in 1999 by Marian

Deeley. As the membership grew and people from other counties became

involved, the Kildare and District part of the name seemed too limited and the branch changed its title to East Midlands Parkinson’s.

Martina sinnott, young onset Parkinson’s and treasurer of East

Midlands Parkinson’s

I am a member of East Midlands Parkinson’s for a number of years now and have been treasurer of the branch for the last three years. When I attended my first meeting of the group I had no idea what to expect and was shy about meeting other people with Parkinson’s as I myself was in the very early stages of the disease. I was pleasantly surprised as my husband and I were both made very welcome and by the time the tea break came we were already relaxed and found it very easy to talk to other people in the same situation as ourselves. I can honestly say that there is a great bond among our members that has given me great support and comfort over the last few years. East Midlands functions or meetings are a place where you don’t have to be conscious of tremors, dyskenesias or any other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease as we are always accepted the way we are and there always seems to be someone at hand to help out whatever the need may be!

However it is when we sit down together over a cup of tea that great friendships have been

EAST MIDLANDS BRANCH

Charlie Talbot

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Winter 2013 | 15

formed, information is shared and many a tip or words of advice have been given. We fund a series of yoga classes twice yearly which are very beneficial.

Having experienced at first hand the benefits of being a member of East Midlands I put myself forward as a committee member and now treasurer. From my point of view it is nice to give something back to a group who have helped me to be as well as I can be while suffering from Parkinson’s disease. It is a pleasure to be associated with such an appreciative group of people and I hope that I can give support and encouragement to others through East Midlands just as it was given to me.

John Sinnott Carer and Secretary of East Midlands Parkinson’s

My name is John Sinnott from Raheen, Co. Laois. I am married to Martina for 28 years and we have 4 grown up children. Martina was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 10 years ago and at time neither of us knew anything about the disease. We did what most people do and went straight to the internet for information which of course frightened the daylights out of us. The best thing we ever did was to join our local support group East Midlands Parkinson’s. The positive attitude of all involved in the group has been of huge benefit to us in coming to terms with the disease and we have learned a great deal over the last few years.

As a carer I cannot speak highly enough of what I have learned by being involved in the group. We have learned a lot about the importance of

diet, exercise and how to maximise the benefits of the medication. Carers are always encouraged to attend meetings, yoga classes, information days and all social events. I have always felt very much part of the group, so much so that earlier this year when the secretary’s position became available I had no hesitation in putting my name forward for the post. I find it a pleasure to be part of a group that has given us so much hope in the past that I would not call what I do as secretary “work”.

When people ask me about East Midlands I always say there are no disadvantages whatsoever to being a member. You will only gain help and support and at the same time enjoy the ‘craic’ and comradeship shared amongst all our members. Martina & I are better equipped to deal with whatever the future holds for us knowing that we have the support of a fantastic group of people in East Midlands.

All the people who have contributed to this article have a common bond, we are all either people with Parkinson’s, carers of people with Parkinson’s or working with people who have Parkinson’s.

We all have several other roles in life so therefore we are not defined by Parkinson’s. We are merely bound together in our efforts to manage and live with Parkinson’s.

We strive to empower our members through the provision of information and knowledge about the importance of a good diet and exercise, encouraging people to help themselves and in turn support others. P.A.I. and all branches around this country are needed now more than ever to work together to provide this support and to help fill the ever widening gaps in our health system.

Our Government also, must realise that voluntary groups like ours need funding to help provide services to our members.

If anyone wishes to contact East Midlands Parkinson’s, our number is 085 2112973

Marian Deely Branch Chairman would like to thank PAI for the opportunity to profile our branch.

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LOOKING FOR IDEAS ON HOW TO FUNDRAISE?Why not visit our website www.parkinsons.ie and see our A to Z list of exciting fundraising ideas

If you have registered for an event, please let Sabrina know at office@parkinsons.ie

Sinead Forde’s Run a Muck Challenge

Sinead Fordeand Ciara Fingelton

Deciding to raise money for Parkinson’s association was an easy decision for me. My Dad has Parkinson’s and has been greatly supported by the Parkinson’s association over the past ten years, Parkinson’s is a very difficult disease to live with both for the person and the family so any help is always greatly appreciated. My friend Ciara Fingleton also kindly agreed to run for PaI. Doing Run-a-Muck was great fun and doing it for such a worthwhile charity made the day even more enjoyable.

FuNDRaIsINg

Trevor MontgomeryI decided to raise some sponsorship for Parkinson’s Association of Ireland to create awareness about the charity. My father has had Parkinson’s for well over 25 years after being diagnosed at a young age so it is nice to know that there is a charity out there to help people like my Dad and their families.

I crossed the finish line at 4 hours 11 minutes. The wonderful support from the people on the sidelines spurred me on. Well done Trevor. A fantastic achievement in raising awareness and much needed funds for Parkinson’s.

Introducing Mark O’TooleMark O’Toole has recently joined the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland as fundraising & communications manager having spent over 25 years in the broadcasting, retail and telecoms sectors. Mark’s experience in the not-for-profit sector includes serving as chairman of Tallaght Community Radio, serving on school and community centre boards, and founder of CharityRadio.ie (a charity-supporting online radio station). Mark was responsible for the recent SMS Text donation campaign which raised funds during the Shay Healy feature on TV3.

Mark’s focus is to raise funds from the corporate and government sector while raising the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland’s public awareness in mainstream media.

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Winter 2013 | 17

WATERFORD BRANCH The Waterford Branch members returned to their Monday classes following a 3 week Summer break to launch into the season with yoga back on the menu for all (thanks Bernie).

We also welcomed a few new members who seem to be enjoying the classes which are so vital to us that we fundraise constantly to ensure their continuation. We recently held a very enjoyable quiz and music night and hope to hold a few more before the end of the year.

We are also arranging a social meeting with members of the Cork branch with lunch and music on the menu. The Waterford members would like to say a very big congratulations to Nicky and Shay Clarke on their successful trek of the Great Wall of China.

Contact Teresa Peacock 051-383685

DuBLIN BRANCHThe autumn members’ meeting was held at the Tara Towers Hotel in Booterstown on the last Sunday in September. Dr. Aviva Cohen gave a very interesting talk entitled “Overcoming Communications Problems.”

Also in September the Branch had a very successful flag day collection at the Nutgrove Shopping Centre. Many thanks are due to the committee and other volunteer collectors.

The south Dublin support group The South Dublin Support Group is centred on Stillorgan, Dalkey, Bray and surrounding areas. They meet every three or four weeks in Cafe 53 in Sallynoggin for a lunch of sandwiches and coffee. The Cafe is quiet at lunch time and has good parking. The aim of our group is to have a safe place to listen and share, and to provide inspiration and encouragement for our members. The next meeting will be on 21st November in Cafe 53 at 1pm. For further details please phone Aoife or Kevin at 2893642.

BRaNCh NEWsPortmarnock group Since their autumn resumption the Portmarnock Group have had two meetings. They had a visit from a physiotherapist from Beaumont Hospital and a local musician who gave us an entertaining illustrated talk on how music can help Parkinson’s patients. They are planning a social evening before Christmas but have not finalised a date. Contact Tony at 0877953302 for more information.

The next big event for Dublin Branch will be the annual Christmas lunch at the Marine Hotel, Sutton on Sunday December 1st. We hope to have some entertainment and this is usually a very enjoyable occasion. Members will be notified by the Branch Bulletin in the middle of November.

May I take this opportunity to wish all members a very Happy Christmas and a trouble free 2014.

Contact John O’Mahony 01-2852902

CAvAN MONAGHAN BRANCHHeartiest congratulations to Bernie and Pat Fitzpatrick on the birth of their first grandchild, a boy, Christian Alexander, to their daughter in Jersey. All doing well. Grandmother Bernie, who recently became a member of the pump brigades, flew over with Pat to visit the new arrival and stayed 10 days. Pat, a Cavan farmer, told me that the only cattle on the island were Jerseys and next year for the first time Aberdeen Angus cattle will be bred there too. While Pat was checking the livestock Bernie swam in the indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Both Pat and Bernie are looking forward to the Christening.

Meetings: With difficulties getting people to attend branch meetings the Cavan branch suggested at the recent AGM that branches should visit each other on outings. This will give an opportunity for a branch to travel

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to another branch and have a get together for refreshments and entertainment. Even branches that were long journeys apart could meet halfway. The idea was supported by those present, and it was left up to the branches to organise events.

New members: Unfortunately we hear every month of new people being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. There may be people in their 40s 50s 60s and are working in jobs full-time or part-time. As we are all aware the initial shock of first been diagnosed is a bolt out of the blue. While I would encourage people to come forward and join the branches I can well understand why they don’t. Younger people prefer to keep themselves as young as possible for as long as possible and they feel going into a branch places them in a category with much older people. This is not the case as their youth is more of an advantage than not. As well as having branch meetings, we hope that persons who want to speak to guests and experts at meetings privately will be afforded the opportunity to do so. While advice received are opinions you should always contact your doctor.

Winter is now back with a bang and I would advise all members to avail of the anti-flu injection from their GP or local chemist. If you are not well or have any problems during the winter called a neighbour or a friend. Don’t leave it too late.

Contact Paddy Conaty 049-4332821

ROSCOMMON BRANCHWe meet on the Second Wednesday of every month in Hannon’s Hotel Athlone Road, Roscommon @ 7.30 pm. All new members are welcome.

We wish to thank the St Brigid’s club for sponsoring two All Ireland Football Final Tickets which proved to be a very successful fundraiser for the branch. We want to wish the St Brigid’s Club every success in their bid to retain their All Ireland Club title.

Plans are in place to begin our set dancing classes and evaluation in conjunction with the University of Limerick. A number of our

members attended the social weekend in the Hodson Bay Hotel Athlone in September. The event was a huge success and all who attended from our branch thoroughly enjoyed it. The gala dinner was followed by dancing and the dance floor was full to capacity for the night. New friendships were made at the event.

We would like to wish all our members and their families Peace and Joy this Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. This wish extends to all the staff at the PAI, other branches, and our readers.

Contact Anita Connaughton 087-623-9139

TIPPERARy BRANCHA Gathering Event was held on August 30th in Younges, the Ragg in conjunction with

Paddy & Josie Cooney (local set-dancing teachers) and Moycarkey-Borris Parish.

All proceeds were donated to the Tipperary Branch of the Parkinson’s Association.

Contact: Mary Carey 0504 54335

CORK BRANCHWe have been busy over the past few months organising and partaking in fundraising , social and self- development activities.

Almost fifty volunteers participated in the Cork Ladies Mini Marathon on 15th September on our behalf which as well as being a financial success, helped to raise awareness. Through our various activities and increasing membership numbers, we are increasing our profile and this will benefit everybody. We also have had a number of very successful flag days and more are planned. A charity concert is being organised at Cork School Of Music on 8th November featuring senior students and graduates of the School with Katriona Deveraux of RTE as M.C. We are very excited about this event as apart from the financial aspect, it may introduce us to people who will be of further assistance to us in some respect in the future. The recruitment advertisement for our long awaited Parkinson’s Nurse finally went to

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Winter 2013 | 19

press on the 3rd October and it will probably be January 2014 before the successful applicant will be installed. Our fundraising campaign will be ongoing but at long last we will hopefully begin to see the benefits of it.

Cork Branch was represented by a group of 10 people at the Social Weekend in Athlone, including 4 PwPs, and everybody thoroughly enjoyed it including firstly the challenge of finding the hotel, the information sessions, the yoga and set dancing “taster sessions”, the lively AGM, the banquet and dancing, the Parkinson’s mass preached so meaningfully and the fabulous draw in the All-Ireland Hurling Final on the return journey. It was most enlightening to listen to others experiences of Living with Parkinson’s and therapeutic to share our own.

We have arranged to meet the Waterford Branch at the Park Hotel Dungarvan in early November for a meal and a social afternoon. Both branches will bring musicians with them and we are looking forward to an enjoyable outing. We have also commenced Set Dancing classes and these have been very well attended by enthusiastic participants. We also plan to run exercise classes at the functional zone in the Leisureworld Complex in Bishopstown, Cork. This zone has excellent equipment and any members that have used it so far have found it to be of great benefit. We had a well attended information meeting in September when Dr Grace Crotty spoke about Parkinson’s Research at Cork University Hospital and Brian Magennis gave us an insight into Parkinson’s through his educational video.

Finally congratulations to Keith Adams and his group of trekkers who had a successful trip to China, and to Margaret Mullarney on her equally successful trip to the World Parkinson’s Congress in Montreal with the Move4Parkinsons Choir.

Ted Horgan 087237555

NORTH KERRy BRANCHAfter our great Summer Break most of our news is a paean of praise for our doughty fund raisers.

Our Queen of tireless activity, Joan Rogers, secured a mighty donation of e2,000 from the Ring of Kerry Cycle Charity, after years of patient lobbying. Chairman, Liam Walshe, and Joan represented the Branch at a recent function in Killarney to accept the cheque. Plaudits as well for Johnny Murphy from Killorglin, who actually cycled for us in the event.

If you want something done go to a busy person: definitely true of Betty Hartnett and Anne O’Connor. When the opportunity came up for a church gate collection in Ballybunion and in Lisselton the ladies, who were in the middle of their respective busy times, simply got on with it, organising their own volunteers, posters, etc.

A big “thank you” to Dermot Healy and staff and pupils of Scoil Inbhear Sceine, Kenmare for their contribution. Dermot is a nephew of our own Christy Leahy. Grace, Chair of the South Kerry Branch, collected the cheque for us in Kenmare . We are much obliged, Grace, and we owe you a cup of tea or two. We will leave the last word to Joan Rogers. Her Tralee Street collection took place on Friday 1st Nov. Joan gives tirelessly of her time and energy to raise funds for PAI.

Feedback to the Branch from the outing to Athlone was excellent...with great praise for the Yoga and the dancing.

Contact: Jerry Hurley 087 9785 438

MIDWEST BRANCHNow that summer is over, we are back in action in the Mid-West Region. Our first monthly meeting was held at The Greenhill’s Hotel on 3rd. Sept. The topic was: The Role of the Occupational Therapist for Clients with Parkinson’s disease. The presentation was given by Lorna O’ Leary, Senior Occupational Therapist. Lorna gave a great presentation on all aspects of Therapy for our clients. There was a lively Q & A afterwards, chaired by Mags Richardson, our Nurse Specialist. There were 61 people in attendance, which shows the interest in these events.

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Our October meeting was held on the 1st, the theme being: The Role of Exercise in Parkinson’s Disease. This was given by Edel Hennessy, M.I.S.C.P., Neuro Physiotherapist, U. L., Limerick. There were 74 people in attendance and once again there was a great Q&A session afterwards. We would like to thank everyone that attends and participates at these meetings. It is important to note that apart from the great knowledge that we all get, there is also an excellent social side to these occasions.

The Roche’s Street Traders Association in Limerick have organised an Art Exhibition and auction for the past 14/15 years,

for the purpose of donating money to local charities. On this occasion the Parkinson’s Association Mid-West and the Daughters of Charity in Lisnagry were the nominated charities. At the conclusion of the exhibition and following the sale of the paintings, Parkinson’s and the Daughters of Charity were each presented with cheques in the amount of € 2,500. We are deeply indebted to John Sadlier and Hugh Lilburn and their colleagues in Roche’s Street association for their kindness. Eddie Butler and Una Anderson Ryan (left of photo) accepted the cheque on our behalf.

The Limerick Annual Women’s Mini Marathon took place at UL On October 12th. There was a huge turnout, on a beautiful day, and it was a huge success. Great credit is due to all the people that took part in this charitable event, and the thought that a lot of people put into fun apparel to make the day fun. Parkinson’s had a stand there and it got a lot of attention.

As usual, the monthly meetings will be on

the first Tuesday of each month, at the Greenhill’s Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick, so keep it on your diary. As well as the monthly meetings, we have started Set Dancing Classes and Hydrotherapy classes at St. Gabriel’s in Dooradoyle (the Hydrotherapy classes are unfortunately full).

We are trying to organise Silver Surfers Workshops in Crescent Comprehensive School in Dooradoyle to anyone interested in learning more about computers, iPhones, Smart Phones, iPads etc., no experience necessary - clients and carers welcome. If you are interested, please contact Billy Rice at wrice.email@gmail.com

Contact Billy Rice 061-228003

EAST MIDLANDS BRANCH2013 saw Moira Barry retire as secretary of East Midlands Parkinson’s, a position that she held for many years. During these years Moira worked tirelessly for the good of our members and was always on the end of the phone whatever the need. Thank you Moira for your hard work and dedication over those years. We know you will still be around to help out in any way you can or to give us advice!

Thirty eight of our members travelled to Cork at the end of August for a 2 night stay for our summer outing. We travelled by ferry to Spike Island and also paid a visit to Fota Wildlife Park and the English Market. We were blessed with lovely weather for the trip and a fantastic time was had by all.

We just finished our second session of yoga classes for this year under the guiding hand of Patricia O’Connor. We now need to motivate ourselves to keep up the yoga at home until the next session in the Spring.

We now look forward to our Christmas party, which will take place on December 8th in the Day Care Centre, Newbridge Road, Naas, Co. Kildare with dinner afterwards in the Harbour Hotel, Naas. We hope to see as many of our members as possible there as it is always a very enjoyable occasion.

Moira Barry

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Christmas Concert

Tribute to a Carer

We’re delighted to announce our Christmas Concert for 2013. a fun-filled evening of Music, Comedy and Dancing awaits you in the Red Cow Pavilion on December 5th. We’ve lined up a great evening’s entertainment including The Army Number 1 Band, Who’s Eddie and everyone’s favourite comic Paul Malone! We also have guest musical appearances by Shay Healy and Katherine Lynch.

The Concert starts at 7:30 with a performance of music from the Army Number 1 Band and carries on ‘til 11:30 with music and dancing to Who’s Eddie and comedy with Paul Malone.

We look forward to seeing you at our Christmas Concert; tickets are €20, call us at 01-8722234 to order yours today. Numbers are limited, and you really don’t want to miss this great evening!!

I am writing this about my Mum (Mary Flood) on behalf of our Dad (sean Flood) and our family.To Mary Flood (Wife, Mum, Grandmother and Carer), on behalf of Dad and our family I want thank you for everything you do for us. For looking after our Dad (Sean Flood), who has Parkinson’s, as his full time carer. For always ensuring that Dad is cared for with the utmost dignity, respect, sensitivity and kindness. For understanding Dad’s occasional frustrations and entertaining him with pictures, books and crafts. Thanks to you our Dad is still able to do some of the things he has always enjoyed. Keeping up his daily routine of healthy eating, personal hygiene and exercise enables him to maintain a positive mental attitude.

Encouraging us all to maintain communication and regular contact creates a strong network he can rely on. Educating our family about the condition has helped our young children to be more understanding around Granddad especially in relation to his balance.

Mum, you make a huge difference to many people’s lives and we especially believe that your reassuring manner continues to help Dad and us to remain strong. So on your 70th birthday I want to simply say thank you Mary Flood and hope this goes some way to show our gratitude and love for you.

You’re the best! Love Sean, Bernadette, Oliver, Helen, Peter, Daniel, Zarah, Yasmin and Alex.

oThER NEWs

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PuT yOuR ONE4ALL GIFT vOuCHERS/CARDS TO GOOD uSEDo you have any one4all gift vouchers lying in a drawer? have you got an old card with a few Euro left on it? Don’t let it go to waste. We can now take your one4all cards. It is simple, just send your card into the office with a note telling us the balance remaining and we do the rest. Every cent helps, so please consider sending your cards to us today. Did you know you can also use your card to purchase any of our items from our shop? have a look today on www.parkinsons.ie/shop for more details on our range of items.

uNITy WALK

We held our first ever Unity walk on 11th April this year. We walked to St. Stephen’s Green where we planted an Aspen tree to celebrate World Parkinson’s Awareness Day. A street collection was also held on the day to raise awareness and funds.

REGuLAR GIvING LEAFLETWe launched our first ever regular giving leaflet to encourage people to “step up for Parkinson’s” The response to date has been very positive.

GP LEAFLETOur GP Leaflet will be distributed to clinics, doctor’s surgeries, pharmacies etc to help raise awareness of the condition.

NATIONAL RAFFLE 2013On 24th May we held our 4th Annual raffle. The draw took place as part of a coffee morning during Brain Month. We would like to thank all our members who made the raffle a great success.

Social GatheringWe held our social gathering in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone on 7th September. It was

a fantastic event with set dancing and yoga on offer to all.

Information DaysThis year we held information days in Carlow, Tralee and more recently, in Athlone as part of the social gathering.

These days were very well attended and we hope to roll out four information days in 2014.

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WIN a e25 VouChERCrossword Clues ACROSS1 The number of Wise Men (5)4 Movie (4)6 Fastest land animal in the World

(7)10 Crimson (3)11 This is one thing which is often

impossible to do with your eyes open (6)

14 Remove weapon or weapons (6)17 These are hung over the

mantelpiece on Christmas eve (9)

19 Finding chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream all in one block (10)

21 Would you find one of these in a Pear tree? (9)

23 Matching pair of sleeping units (4,4)

25 The longest river in South Africa (6)

26 Scandinavian God of thunder (4)27 Molten rock from a volcano (4)28 You will find her on top of a tree

(5)29 2,3,5 and 7 are all examples (5,7)

Crossword Clues DOWN1 Portable light (5)2 His business involves frozen

water (5)3 Weathering on iron (4)5 Container of leaves, makes an

individual serving of a hot drink (6)

7 Seat with supports for one’s arms (8)

8 Couple plus a gooseberry (4)9 Waxy colouring stick (6)12 The name is given to the study of

animals in science (7)13 Bing sings about this colour (5)15 This sweet treat filling doesn’t

actually contain any beef (9)16 Give up an alleged fugitive to

another nation upon request (9)17 An older, traditional name for

Santa Claus (2,8)18 Childish name for William

clowning around (5,5)20 Famous ballet seen at Christmas

(10) 22 The famous red-nosed reindeer

(6) 24 Ran away to get married (6) CRossWoRD CoMPETITIoN ENTRy FoRM

Send your completes CROSSWORD to Parkinson’s Association of Ireland, Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.e25 one4all Voucher to the first entry drawn on 3rd January 2014.

Name

Address

Crossword solutions for autumn edition:DOWN 2: Two 3: Ryan Dolan 4: latin 6: Noon 9: James Cook 10: signs 12: Exercise 14: over 15: Flu 21: Roux 23: NeeACROSS 1: International 5: Poland 7: Brain 8: Bird 11: Blarney 13: sin 16: Eleven 17: spy 18: Flora 19: obama 20: silver 22: Katherine 24: gay Byrne 25: MMX

Parkinson’s Association of Ireland Parkinson’s Association of Ireland

Christmas Order Form 2013

This classic adjustable pendant comes with all the elegance associated with Newbridge Silverware and makes an ideal gift at any time.

Postage & Packing €5.00 per item

€35.00 each

€8.00 each€6.00 per pack of 15 cards

€20.00 each

These unisex pins can be used as a tie pins or on the lapel. Displaying the simple and elegant Aspen Leaf logo which is the symbol of the Parkinson’s Association, these pins are both unique and meaningful.

Postage & Packing €5.00 per item

This delightful children’s book is now available for purchase. A great read for children, this makes an ideal gift at Christmas or indeed any time of year.

Payments by Cheque or Postal Order should be made payable to ‘Parkinson’s Association of Ireland’ and sent to our head office (address above) • To ensure delivery before Christmas, orders should be received by December 10th

Postage & Packing €1.35 per item (for multiple orders, please telephone the office)Postage & Packing €2.00 per pack up to 2 packs50c per pack thereafter

“Chicken”

Newbridge Silverware PENDANT

NAME TELEPHONE

SIGNATURE

ADDRESS

CHILDREN’S BOOK CHRISTMAS CARDS

Quantity Total

Total (inc. P&P)

Total (inc. P&P)

Total (inc. P&P)

Total (inc. P&P)

Quantity Total

Quantity Total

Quantity Total

LAPEL/TIE PIN

Credit/Laser Card Details Please contact us on freephone 1800 359 359, if you have any queries

Expiry Date

Parkinson’s Association of Ireland, Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7. Freephone 1800 359359.

Grand Total to be deducted (Including P&P) € CVC

Beautifully designed and manufactured in Ireland by All Print

Parkinsons.ieParkinson’s Association of Ireland

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Christmas ideas FromParKiNsoN”s assoCiatioN oF ireLaNd

Parkinsons.ieParkinson’s Association of Ireland

Christmas ideas FromParKiNsoN’s assoCiatioN oF ireLaNd