Marischal College will be lit up in blue later this week (Thursday 11 April) to mark World Parkinson’s Day and support Parkinson’s UK’s ‘Make it Blue’ campaign.
The charity’s campaign aims to shine a light on the daily lives of people living with Parkinson’s Disease.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder with about 40 different symptoms with every person’s set of symptoms affecting them differently. It mostly affects movement and balance and it can result in muscular stiffness and tremors. It affects about 1% of people over the age of 60.
Aberdeen Lord Provost Dr David Cameron said: “World Parkinson’s Day on 11 April is an opportunity to highlight the importance of recognising the increasing number of people suffering from this potentially debilitating condition and also support medical research aiming to minimise the effects of Parkinson’s Disease on everyone unfortunate enough to be diagnosed in the future”
A spokesperson from Parkinson’s UK said: “This year, we want the brilliant Parkinson’s community to come together and Make It Blue. That’s because, while living with Parkinson’s is challenging, one thing stands out: you’re not alone.”
Last year, Depute Provost Councillor Steve Delaney, who has been living with Parkinson’s for a number of years, spoke openly about his diagnosis and his determination to carry on working.
Councillor Steve Delaney, Depute Provost said: “I love my work even though it’s often a struggle to get up in the morning, to get to sleep at night and to work around so many of the annoying and frustrating challenges this illness presents. But I will not allow an illness to define me or to curtail what I do.
“I have had good support from Parkinson’s UK, my consultant, friends, family and colleagues. If you are concerned you might have Parkinson’s don’t try to turn a blind eye to it as it’s not going to go away!
“Untreated Parkinson’s is not just debilitating it is also entirely avoidable. Go to your GP and ask to get checked out by a Parkinson’s specialist. Although there is presently no cure, getting onto the right medication regime will lead to a much improved quality of life”.
Further information can be found on the Parkinson’s UK website: Homepage | Parkinson's UK (parkinsons.org.uk)