Holly King

Why I am fundraising for Parkinson's UK

I am raising awareness (and hopefully fundraising) for Parkinson's UK, as my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2024.

Parkinson's Disease is caused from nerve cell loss in the part of the brain that produces Dopamine, meaning you get less and less production.

Dopamine is known as the happy hormone, but it's also a neurotransmitter, meaning it gives the body signals to move joints etc, which is why those with the disease get the "shaky" symptoms. It also means bouts of depression are common as dopamine levels become lower.

There are many symptoms, and you're unlikely to experience them all, but it is a degenerative disease - meaning the symptoms will eventually get worse over time.

There are some brilliant treatment options available due to research. One of the most tested and widely-available is exercise! Exercise boosts dopamine, is free and provides a good indicator of what rate the disease is progressing at.

My family and I are taking part in Parkinson's UK Walk on 7th September with my dad; calling ourselves "Royally Unsteady". He is a wonderful father, a joyful man and a reliable friend to many. He's always available to give advice, pick you up, and make you laugh.

I would appreciate any donation you'd like to offer. If you'd like to know more about Parkinson's, check out these links:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/parkinsons-disease/

https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/what-parkinsons