Membership seems to be increasing at the Redditch & Bromsgrove Branch of Parkinsons UK. It is nice to see more faces at our meets at the Rocklands but at the same time it’s a bit worrying because it suggests that the Parkinsons disease is getting more common.

Two of us, Betty Whittaker and myself, found ourselves invited to a talk given by Dr Mariah Lelos, lead researcher at Cardiff University into stem cells and how they might be injected into the brain to replace the dopamine producing cells that have died. Her research is mainly concerned in finding out if cell transplants can improve the non-motor symptoms of Parkinsons, such as pain, anxiety, sleep problems and loss of sense of smell. It was a fascinating talk, which took place at Bromsgrove’s Hilton Hotel.

Our branch meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 2pm at the Rocklands Club in Birchfield Road, Redditch. If you are a Parkinsons sufferer or a carer for someone who suffers from it feel free to call and check us out. You will find us a cheerful lot, always up for a laugh and we usually have something organised, such as a speaker or a photography show, etc. Have a look at our website reddibromparkinsons.co.uk for information or phone secretary Joy on 01527 544424 or Martin on 01527 61814 for details.