Kent staff and students recently took part in a number of physical challenges and group activities during the University’s first ever Giving Week to raise funds for the new Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy.
The Centre is a partnership between the University, the national charity Parkinson’s Care and Support UK, and the Kent Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, where it will be based. It will be the first of its kind in the UK to provide the therapies, knowledge, tools and social community needed to overcome many of the physical and mental limitations imposed by Parkinson’s disease.
The challenges included a 5k ‘campus trek’, with the Sheriff of Canterbury presenting medals to the participants, and a lunchtime music concert from East Kent Rock Choir which had over 250 attendees.
An impressive £15,000 was raised through Kent Giving Week. Encouragement for donations continue, all of which will make a vital contribution towards establishing and running the much-needed Centre. Anyone wishing to donate can do so here: https://www.kent.ac.uk/parkinsons/support-us/donate
Professor David Wilkinson, who will be leading research at the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy, said: ‘I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part in these fundraising events – your support is invaluable.’
Professor Wilkinson also explained that £130 could fund exercise sessions for Centre users for one day, and that £260 could fund 24 one-hour Mental Health Support sessions. ‘So every donation is vital,’ he said. ‘The Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy will play a significant role in helping those with Parkinson’s disease in the local community have access to non-therapeutic therapies that can make a huge difference to their quality of life.’
The Kings School in Canterbury has selected the Centre as its Charity of the Year with its staff also participating in a number of fundraising challenges such as a 5k fun run, a family/dog inclusive circular walk and a family BBQ. Additionally, a member of staff at King’s School is independently taking part in 11 Tough Mudder challenges throughout 2022 to raise money for the Centre.
The University’s first Giving Week was officially launched on Monday 9 May by Vice-Chancellor and President, Karen Cox. Each year the University will select one of its funding priorities to benefit from a week of fundraising activity.
Kent staff taking part in Kent Giving Week’s 5k campus trek
TED talk-style event providing insights into Parkinson’s treatments and therapies at Kent Giving Week
A netball challenge takes place during the Kent Giving Week Livestream
Left to right: Elizabeth Gordon (Parkinson’s Care and Support UK), Professor David Wilkinson (Kent), Spencer Goddard (CEO of Kent MS Therapy Centre)