Parkinson's UK in Northern Ireland

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Parkinson's UK in Northern Ireland

We’re Parkinson’s UK in Northern Ireland, the charity that’s here to support every Parkinson’s journey. Every step of the way.

23/06/2026

We’re delighted that Pat Hunter and Jeff Irvine from the Lisburn Bat ‘n’ Chat have been recognised by Table Tennis Ireland for ‘their leadership in expanding table tennis opportunities for people living with Parkinson’s’.

Speaking to us about the award Pat said, “It was a real surprise to be awarded the Special Achievement Award at the Table Tennis Ireland Annual Awards. I’m so pleased everyone taking part feels the benefit of playing Table Tennis; seeing them all enjoying the session every week is reward enough for me.

“We started the Bat ‘n’ Chat in February 2024 with help from a Parkinson’s UK Physical Activity Grant awarded to Table Tennis Ulster. I’m delighted it’s still going strong with ongoing support from the Parkinson's UK Lisburn Group.

“We have now 24 names registered and between 14 and 20 people attend every week - all enjoying playing table tennis alongside other people with Parkinson’s. There’s always time for a cuppa, scone and a chat at the end, which is a great opportunity for them to meet others in the same situation as themselves.”

Jeff coaches the group every week and he too is delighted to have received the award.

“I was absolutely chuffed to be given this award. It was such a surprise.

“At the start I was in the dark about Parkinson’s but working alongside the group I have had my eyes opened. I now have an understanding of how the condition affects everyone and knowing the symptoms they live with, it’s even more wondrous and encouraging to see them playing table tennis. They have such a positive attitude.

“To be nominated is beautiful but it’s not just recognition for Pat and I, but for the condition too. It’s also been a catalyst across Ireland, with other groups asking us for information so they can get started.

“Over the summer months I’m spending some extra time coaching a select team of the Lisburn group as they are heading to the Scottish International Parkinson’s Open in August to compete against other players from across the world. It’s just great to see. Long may it continue!”

Congratulations Pat and Jeff!
They are pictured here with Table Tennis Ireland President Alan Strong.

The Lisburn Bat 'n' Chat meet every Tuesday at Lisburn Racquets Club from 11am to 12pm. Everyone affected by Parkinson's are welcome to attend, including carers, partners and friends.

22/06/2026

The Dungannon Social Cafe is for everyone affected by Parkinson's.

They've recently changed their venue and will now be meeting at the Craic Theatre and Arts Centre, in Coalisland.

There's a great group here and it's the perfect place to connect with other people living with Parkinson's as well as their friends and carers.

The cafe will not be meeting over July and August so if you don't make it this week, the next meeting will be on Wednesday 30 September.

21/06/2026

We would like to give a huge thank you to David Wilson, who has raised £2745 for us since September 2025.

David tackled not just the 40 mile Causeway Coast Ultra Marathon, but also the London Marathon, which he ran in 3hrs 47minutes.

David told us, “I chose to support Parkinson's UK because the cause is deeply personal to me. My mum was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in spring 2025, which brought a new reality to our family and opened my eyes to the daily challenges the condition presents. I’ve also been hugely inspired by my girlfriend’s dad (Robin McGuckin), who has been living with Parkinson’s for over a decade.

“Despite his diagnosis, he has consistently raised money and supported Parkinson’s UK. Seeing the effort and determination he has put into giving back, while managing the condition, was incredibly motivating and played a big role in my decision to take on this challenge.

“Running the London Marathon felt like a meaningful way to follow that example. I wanted to challenge myself while raising awareness and contributing to a charity that supports people living with Parkinson’s, funds vital research, and helps improve quality of life for those affected.”

Thank you again David, we are so grateful for your support!

David is pictured at Parkinson’s UK’s London office after the London Marathon. Also in the photo are his girlfriend Naomi and their supporters. They are also pictured at the finish line with their medals.

19/06/2026

Caring for someone with Parkinson's can be incredibly rewarding, but we also know it can be a difficult role too. Speaking to others in the same position as you can be really helpful.

That's why our volunteer Janet started the monthly Coffee for Carers cafe which takes place this Monday 22 June.

This cafe will continue to meet in July and August on the fourth Monday of the month.

18/06/2026

Lovely to see our supporter Martin on Belfast Live this week, talking about DBS, cycling and taking part in our new event, Pedal for Parkinson's Causeway Coast.

Martin told us, "“I’ve never thought of myself as someone who needs help, but I see others in our Parkinson’s community who are further down the road. They need support. This ride is for them. I can still pedal these roads, but many can’t. Maybe someday I’ll need to reach out too, which is why I’m backing Parkinson’s UK.”

You can read his full story ➡️ https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/i-life-changing-brain-surgery-34131322

You can also join him on the beautiful Causeway Coast next weekend - dust off your bike and register today ➡️ https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/event/pedal-causeway-coast/

16/06/2026

Cafe on this week ...

🔷 The Belfast Social cafe is for everyone affected by Parkinson's.
They're a lovely welcoming group and there's always a volunteer on hand to say hello.
This cafe will be continuing over July and August - maybe combine a day out in Belfast and pop into see them all during the summer months.

🔷 The North-West Early Onset cafe isn't on this month as the group are taking part in the exercise classes currently being run in Claudy.
This cafe is also not meeting up in July and August so if you want to go along, the next one happens on Thursday 17 September.

15/06/2026

A huge thanks goes out to Bushmills Bowling Club for their generous donation of £2400 from their recent Bowling Competition.

Thank you to each and every person who took part on the day and donated. We are so grateful you chose to support our work.

Pictured here are: Reverend Crowe (Bushvale Bowling Club), Club Captain Keith Rankin and Club Treasurer John Wasson.

13/06/2026

Local Community Fundraiser Emma McNeill had the pleasure of meeting Gordon Brown from Richhill in Armagh.

Gordon recently celebrated his 90th birthday!

His family organised a party and they made donations in lieu of birthday gifts. Emma was delighted to receive a cheque for £600 towards our work in Northern Ireland. Gordon's late wife had Parkinson's so it’s a cause that means a lot to this family.

Thank you Gordon and a very Happy Birthday to you! 🥳

If you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary then why not think about having an ‘in celebration’ fundraiser. Reach out to our fundraising team for support by emailing: [email protected]

11/06/2026

In light of current events, we’ve decided to postpone this weekend’s Walk For Parkinson’s in Belfast.

We understand that this may be disappointing for some, but the decision is to keep our community and supporters safe.

We hope you are able to join us on the new date - Sunday 13 September.

Next steps:

🔷 If you are unable to attend on the new date, Sunday 13 September, please let us know by emailing [email protected]

🔷 If you signed anyone else up please make sure to let them know about the new date

Thank you so much for your support.

If you have any questions, please get in touch at [email protected].

09/06/2026

Thank you to all of the members of All Saints Crossdernott Bowling Club for their generous donation of £3446 🩵

The bowling club held a bowling league over Easter to raise vital funds for our work across Northern Ireland.

Thank you to everyone who took part and donated 🥰

If you would like to support our work please contact the team at [email protected]

Address

3 Wellington Park
Belfast
BT96DJ

Telephone

028 9092 3370

Website

http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/

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