A Bristol campaigner attended a parliamentary reception at the House of Commons to raise awareness of the issues faced by those diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Karen Rose, from the Bristol branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) was at the reception hosted by  Madeleine Moon  MP (Lab, Bridgend) which was also attended by PDS president Jane Asher and Deputy Health Minster, Ivan Lewis.

The reception included discussions on the importance of a prompt referral of anyone with suspected Parkinson's to a specialist and a reduction in waiting times for outpatient appointments. MPs also had the chance to hear the experiences of their constituents living with Parkinson's.

The parliamentary reception was held during Parkinson's Awareness Week April (16 - 22), which this year focused on the needs of people newly diagnosed with Parkinson's.

As part of this, the PDS launched a new DVD aimed at answering the questions and concerns of those who have recently been told they have the condition.

Karen Rose, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's five years ago, is featured in the DVD with her husband, Michael, talking about being diagnosed and living with the condition.

As well as being involved with the Bristol branch, Karen is also a member of the Younger Parkinson's Network (YPN) and is the YPN contact in Bristol.

The YPN exists to provide specific information and support to younger people living with the condition. Of the 10,000 people diagnosed with Parkinson's each year, one in 20 is under 40.

l Members of the Bristol branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society meet on the first Saturday of the month at the Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, and not on Sundays as reported in Thursday's Evening Post.