Presentation lunch for Parkinsons

11th March 2010

A MUCH loved father and grandfather, who died aged 80 last year from Parkinson's Disease, has inspired a generous donation to search for a cure.
Mr Colm Whittle had been battling Parkinson's for 15 years. He is survived by his wife Josephine and their seven children and thirteen grandchildren."He was an athlete, an eccentric, a loveable, dapper, funny, wise and wonderful man," said his son Ottie at the funeral in St John's Church, Farncombe, which was attended by 200 people.

"He was a man that in his later life was ravaged by a wretched disease that denied us the opportunity of seeing him striding out, shoulders back and hearing his beautiful voice, a disease that in life he could not fight but in death has given doctors the opportunity to fight it on his behalf, a battle he will some day, please God have helped to win."

Mr Whittle, who worked as a senior scientific officer for many years at the government's institute for animal health at Pirbright, donated his brain and spinal cord to medical research to help combat a disease that is diagnosed every hour in someone in the UK. Last month in loving memory his family held a 'White Butterfly Ball', (they were frequent visitors to prised garden) which has raised £4,145.00 for the Parkinson's Disease Society(PDS), the UK charity support and research charity that is leading the work to find a cure.

Surrey based company Working At Height Limited sponsored the champagne reception and all the table decorations.

Mr Whittle was a keen athlete and ran the first London marathon. He was determined not to let Parkinson's get the better of him and he continued to run following his diagnosis but he wore a crash helmet and knee and arm pads so that he could pick himself up and carry on when he fell.

A fellow sufferer Sal Marks, who is equally determined to continue to live her life to the full, gave an inspirational talk at the ball to help raise awareness of Parkinson's.
Mrs Marks, who lives in Dunsfold, was diagnosed in 1995 and keeps fit with the help of a trainer. She also raises money for the PDS, which she said provided a lifeline for her by helping to fund her local support group.
PDS corporate fundraising executive Ros Pearse was delighted to receive the generous 'White Butterfly' donation at a special lunch presentation held at Working At Height Limited's head office.

"Because we're here, no one has to face Parkinson's alone," said Ms Pearse. "We bring people with Parkinson's, their carers and families together via our network of local groups, our website and free confidential helpline. "Specialist nurses, our supporters and staff provide information and training on every aspect of Parkinson's. We are leading the work to find a cure but our work is totally dependent on donations.

"Since the PDS was founded in 1969, we have spent approximately £45million on research. This year we aim to invest £4.6million in ground-breaking research projects, including the brain bank. "At present, we are supporting about 90 research projects worth over £15million." For further information about PDS or to make a donation visit www.parkinsons.org.uk or contact Working At Height Ltd on 01483 415410.