HEREFORD and District Branch of Parkinson's UK held an event on April 11 to help raise awareness of Parkinson's. The theme for the day was #Unite for Parkinson's and Parkinson's organisations and supporters around the world came together on a bigger scale than ever to mark the day.

World Parkinson Day is held on April 11 every year as it marks the birthday of Dr James Parkinson who is famous for establishing Parkinson's as a medical condition.

Every hour two people in the UK are told they have Parkinson's. The estimated number of people diagnosed in 2018 in the UK is around 145,000.

This year they held an event at the Railway Club, Hereford. A group of Nordic walkers most of whom are affected by Parkinson's walked from the Railway Club into town.

Nordic walking was introduced as one of Herefordshire Parkinson's UK activities, in 2014, by Anne Downing, after she discovered the potential benefits at a Parkinson's overseas conference.

Hereford and District Branch is now the first in the UK to run two Nordic walking groups. The instructor is Brad Blake from British Nordic Walking. Essentially, Nordic walking promotes body symmetry, balance and good posture, with correct foot movement, body rotation and arm swing as you walk. This is particularly relevant to people with Parkinson's.

A great number turned out and joined in the fun too help raise awareness of Parkinson's despite the weather.

Anyone wishing to join one of the Nordic walking groups should contact Anne Downing on 01989 769951, email downing116@btinternet.com