Medical research benefits by £3,000 thanks to Rotherham couple

Rachel Clough (9), who was the first customer at the Parkinsons Awarness Stall at Rotherham General Hospital on Monday. The stand will be manned all week by staff and volunteers as part of the national Parkinsons Awareness Week activities. 170611

Keith (75) and Sue Duke (62) manned a stand in Rotherham Hospital during Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Week, which was officially opened by the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Lyndsay Pitchley.

The money was raised by selling cakes, raffle tickets and handmade presents and will be donated to Parkinson’s UK to help fund important research which the couple believe one day could lead to a cure being found.

Keith, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, shared his story about living with the disease two weeks ago.

“A few people came up to us and Joanne, the hospital’s Parkinson’s nurse, sent a few people our way to speak to me about the condition,” said Keith.

“One couple who came down to speak to me had seen the article.

“I had met them 29 years ago when I was the chauffer for their wedding.

“They came to speak to me for a chat as the lady had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

“When we went away, I felt as though we had had a little bit of an effect and shown that the condition is not as bad as some people think it is.”

The couple beat last year’s fundraising week total by more than £1,000, collecting £2,898 with one day fewer to spare due to the Good Friday Bank Holiday.

“We were thrilled,” added Keith.

“The thing that amazes me is the generosity of people.

“We were selling cakes for £1.

“One lady said she didn’t want to buy anything but put a £20 note in our tin.

“It was a huge success and we will try again next year to see if we can raise even more.”