Asset Management firm, MitonOptimal, was pleased to present a cheque in the sum of £400 to the Guernsey branch of the Parkinson’s Society earlier in September. The firm had announced its support of the charity last year, which was an extension of its sponsorship of Guernsey FC player, Matt Loaring. Committee Member of the Guernsey branch of the Parkinson’s UK charity, Penny Sarchet, said she was delighted to receive the cheque on behalf of the branch, as they have to raise all their own funds.
‘There are around 200 people in the Bailiwick affected by Parkinson’s or Parkinson’s symptoms, with 60 taking part in regular activities. At present, these include monthly ‘drop in’ sessions, exercise classes and ‘music as therapy’ sessions – both held weekly – which are all funded by the charity. We have an account with the St John Healthcare shop to assist people with smaller, but regularly needed items and we also
have a taxi account to assist people with transport to and from our events and appointments they may have which are Parkinson’s related. We are also assisting some of our members with a few hours of care here and there to provide respite for carers,’ Mrs Sarchet explained.
‘Moving forward, the charity is looking to start some courses for carers, to train and update on matters such as care in the home, and lifting and handling, for example,’ she added.
All funds that are raised remain in Guernsey to fund these projects and/or any new ones, and an annual donation is made to a specific Parkinson’s research project in the UK which the committee discussed and chose.
Mark Margetts-Smith, Group Head of Marketing for MitonOptimal said, ‘We firmly believe in local businesses supporting local sports clubs and charitable organisations, and are proud to support the Guernsey branch of the Parkinson’s UK charity as part of our work in the community, which includes sponsorship of two other sports teams.
‘We will continue to support Penny and her team, who do such an important job for local Parkinson’s sufferers, via our sponsorship of Matt Loaring’s goals through the 2014/2015 season,’ he concluded.
More details regarding the Guernsey branch of the UK Parkinson’s charity can be found on the charity’s Facebook page, or by contacting Penny Sarchet, on (01481) 241118 or by email: pennyandphil@cwgsy.net
