What we achieved in 2024, together
We’re celebrating our achievements from 2024. And they wouldn’t be possible without you.
See the impact of your incredible support in our 2024 celebration video.
Making a difference, together
After years of campaigning, NHS England launched a 3-year medication safety programme to make sure people with Parkinson’s receive their medication on time in hospitals.
Major breakthroughs in medication access saw Produodopa approved in Scotland and Opicapone in Wales as a first-line treatment.
Our free, confidential helpline, supported by trained advisers and specialist nurses, handled over 14,000 enquiries. And over 13,000 enquiries were directed to our local adviser teams for in-depth local support.
By October this year, we had approved funding for 11 new specialist healthcare roles including Parkinson's nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
Raising funds and awareness
Fundraising events like the Hat and Home Wingwalk and Smart Outdoor Golf Day continue to inspire, alongside a London Marathon team effort that raised nearly £400,000.
Our Walk for Parkinson's series united loved ones, friends, carers and supporters across the UK. Our 3,930 walkers raised a fantastic £425,000 for Parkinson's research. And our incredible supporters and their 4-legged friends took part in our new Walkies for Parkinson's series and raised an incredible £65,000.
Physical Activity Grants
Our Physical Activity Grants programme reopened for the fourth successive year. So far 67 groups and providers have been awarded over £170,000 collectively. This has funded various physical activities such as boccia, aqua-fit, dance, tai chi and circuit training for people with Parkinson's across the UK.
Research Support Network
The Parkinson's Research Needs You campaign invited people to take action and help us push forward new treatments by joining our Research Support Network. There are now over 10,000 people in the Network, each one helping us get new treatments, faster.
Life-changing research breakthroughs
This year, Parkinson’s research gained national attention, particularly through Professor Kevin Mills' work towards a blood test that could detect Parkinson’s up to 7 years before diagnosis.
We launched Landmark, a groundbreaking 3-year research programme aiming to understand Parkinson's in more detail than ever before. It will be delivered in partnership with University College London and 4 major pharmaceutical companies, hoping to pinpoint the causes of Parkinson’s and identify new options for potential treatments. This research programme was made possible by a founding gift of £4m from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation.
We’re currently investing over £13m into our research grants programme across 39 projects. And through the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech partnership, we've committed £30m towards new drug discovery and development projects for Parkinson's.
Our community united at Par-Con 2024
On 11 and 12 October, the Parkinson’s community gathered for Par-Con 2024, our event focused on living well with Parkinson’s.
Over the 2 days, attendees heard directly from experts, learnt more about living well with Parkinson’s, and connected with others navigating similar journeys. We had sessions on the latest research, cutting-edge technology and more. Highlights included a live recording of the podcast ‘2 Parkies in a Pod’ with special guest Professor Bas Bloem and our 2024 Community Awards.
World Parkinson's Day
On World Parkinson's Day, we launched the Many Faces of Parkinson’s campaign, featuring 6 inspiring people who have experience of Parkinson's. And we had another successful year lighting up Piccadilly Circus in London.
It’s all powered by you
We want to be there for people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones at every step of their journey. Our work is only possible because of you. Thank you.