Friends hope to raise funds and awareness

A group of friends have banded together to raise much needed funds for charity, while also raising awareness of a neurological condition.
Members of the In your pace Parkinsons group who will be taking part in the Belfast Marathon Relay in May.Members of the In your pace Parkinsons group who will be taking part in the Belfast Marathon Relay in May.
Members of the In your pace Parkinsons group who will be taking part in the Belfast Marathon Relay in May.

The group, made up of local residents, is taking part in a number of fundraising events in aid of Parkinson’s UK.

The fundraising effort has been organised after Carnmoney man, Niall Barton was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease last year at the age of 45.

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It has been a difficult year for Niall as he attempts to come to terms with the diagnosis .

To show their support for Niall and to raise both funds and awareness, the team is embarking on a number of charity activities.

A spokesperson for the group of friends said: “There is so little knowledge of the illness amongst the public out there and how more young people are being diagnosed with it.

“We just want to raise awareness of the condition and raise funds which will hopefully help to find a cure as well as offering support to people diagnosed with Parkinson’s.”

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The group recently held a successful charity disco in the Whiteabbey Royal British Branch and Club, while coffee mornings and other charitable events are also set to take place.

A team of 20 people will be putting their best foot forward as they each run a leg in this year’s Belfast Marathon.

The team consists of runners who have never competed in an event before. They are currently preparing for the relay event on Monday, May 1.

Jeanette, Glen, Elaine and Gary from the close network of friends also participated in the Larne Half Marathon on Saturday, March 18.

If you would like to make a donation to Parkinson’s Uk in support of the local fundraising effort, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/IN-YOUR-PACE-PARKINSONS