Living with Parkinson’s in Lanzarote: “You are not alone”

A Lanzarote association that aims to support families affected by Parkinson’s is stepping up to the next level.

Janet Harper set up Living With Parkinson’s in Lanzarote (LWP) three years ago after experiencing how the condition affected her father and a life-long friend.

The registered charity has a team of volunteers that currently provides assistance to 14 families on the island, as well as visitors with holiday homes here.

Parkinson’s is caused by loss of nerve cells in the brain, which leads to stiffness, loss of balance and mobility problems. It can also cause depression, anxiety and loss of memory.

Recent studies have found that Parkinson’s now affects one in every 32 people, with men slightly more vulnerable than women. It is degenerative, but many sufferers can expect a normal life expectancy – it is the quality of life that is affected.

Muhammed Ali, Billy Connolly and Ozzy Osbourne are just a few of the celebrities who have raised the profile of a cruel and debilitating condition.

Janet tells us that the aim of LWP is to raise awareness of the condition on the island, but also to offer practical help.

When a partner or family member is diagnosed with Parkinson’s, many people end up as care givers, and they require support as much as the patient. A short spell of respite, assistance with hospital appointments and other actions can make all the difference.

Socialising is also vital – the association holds monthly coffee mornings, giving members the chance to meet up with others who understand their journey through first-hand experience. Janet says “It’s important to know that you are not alone in this.”

The association also offers workshops on nutrition, diet and exercise – all of which can alleviate and improve symptoms and improve quality of life; and can also assist with equipment in the home.

The most recent discovery by LWP is a new device similar to a smart-watch, called a BeechBand, which sends a gentle pulse to the brain which in turn greatly reduces the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. Three Members have so far taken part in a 6-week trial with BeechBands funded by donations to LWP and have seen significant improvements. More BeechBands are now on the way for other members to experience the benefits.

“Our fund-raising events have been strongly supported,” Janet comments, “and we now feel that now it’s the time for growth and really getting our message out there.”

Janet says “There are surely more families still to be reached, and new volunteers will be needed to help them.”

In March, Janet and six other volunteers will head to northern Spain to walk 132kms of the ancient pilgrims’ route, El Camino de Santiago, in order to raise more funds. They are all funding their own flights, accommodation and food etc – so all monies raised will go directly to the charity.