The Frank and Evelyn Brake Connect Fund

Frank and Evelyn Brake were long-standing supporters of Parkinson's UK. Evelyn Brake lived with Parkinson’s for over 30 years, before sadly dying in early 2022. Since Frank’s death in 2018, the family has continued this generous support through his Charitable Trust.

Over the years, their support has made many aspects of our work possible. The whole family's experiences of living with the condition mean they understand how vital it is for people with Parkinson’s to be able to access the right information and support, at the right time, and in the right way.

In 2020, The Frank Brake Charitable Trust created a matched fund, the Frank and Evelyn Brake Connect Fund. This aimed to help us improve our support to people with Parkinson’s, families, friends and carers, from diagnosis onwards.

All gifts were matched pound-for-pound, doubling their value and ultimately doubling the impact for people with Parkinson's.

By the end of 2021, the Frank and Evelyn Brake Connect Fund had reached its target and raised an incredible £1.2m.

We aim to be there for every single person with Parkinson’s

More and more people are being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. It’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. And everyone’s experience is different.

Our aim is to be there for every single person with Parkinson’s. To provide information and support that’s free of charge, and right for you, wherever you are in your Parkinson’s journey.

Parkinson’s Connect is our pioneering programme to connect with people with Parkinson’s, and their families, right at the point of diagnosis. It works by allowing doctors and healthcare professionals to refer you directly to Parkinson’s UK and the whole network of support we can offer.

Your support has doubled the impact

In 2020, the Connect Fund raised £400,000. In 2021 we set out to raise a further £800,000 to reach the £1.2m target.

Supporters helped by either taking part in Walk for Parkinson’s, donating to our autumn appeal, or by making a major gift.

The Trustees of the Frank Brake Charitable Trust are grateful to everyone who joined them in supporting Parkinson's Connect:

''We are delighted that the Frank and Evelyn Brake Connect Fund inspired so many other donors and fundraisers to support the project and will enable Parkinson's UK to implement this vital new way to access their services."