Parkinson's Fife

Wed, Sep 17th 2025 at 12:40 pm - 2:00 pm

Douglas Jackson handed over a cheque as a donation from funds raised at the International Rotary Golf Tournament.

The Guest Speaker was Mark Coxe from Parkinson’s Fife. Mark, who himself suffers from Parkinson’s disease, gave a very powerful talk about the disease which is a degenerative neurological condition caused by the Dopamine-producing cells in the brain dying off. Scientists don’t know what causes the condition, which is why it is so difficult to treat. It is estimated that 1 in every 370 people in Scotland has the disease and over a 1000 people in Fife are living with the condition. There is no cure for this debilitating disease and it not only affects those who have the condition but also has a significant impact on family, friends and carers. There are over 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s and these can include tremor and muscle cramps. Researchers are working hard to find the elusive cure. The Fife branch of Parkinson’s is associated with the Life Sciences Centre in the University of Dundee, and their researchers are actually on the cusp of making exciting breakthroughs. Parkinson’s UK was started in 1969, named after Dr James Parkinson who was the scientist who identified the condition. The Fife branch holds monthly group meetings. The main meeting is held in Glenrothes where people living with Parkinson’s, their carers, family members and friends can come together in an easy-going atmosphere where they can relax, have a chat and enjoy some of the therapeutic activities that include Tai Chi, Arts and Crafts and Singing Therapy. A vote of thanks was given by Douglas Jackson who is one of the organisers of the Rotary International Golf Tournament which each year decides on a charity to receive help from Rotary. This year the charity chosen was Parkinson’s. Douglas then presented a cheque for £500 to Parkinson’s Fife and also a cheque for £5000 to Parkinson’s UK Scotland.