PARKINSON'S UK has been given a major boost by the award of a grant for £250,000 from the Freemasons' Grand Charity.

The money is to be divided and distributed to Parkinson's groups throughout the country to provide funding at a local level. Local Parkinson's UK groups in Devon received £5,000 and the cheque was presented by W.Bro. Ian Kingsbury, assistant provincial Grand Master for Devonshire to the Parkinson's UK Exeter Support Group.

Jean Almond, the SW Regional Fundraiser said: 'This wonderful gift will make a real difference to people with Parkinson's across Devon by funding local projects such as exercise classes and drop in days which couldn't happen without the support of organisations like the Freemasons. We are incredibly grateful to the Freemasons for their help.'

Many Freemasons have experience of what it is like to live with Parkinson's, either personally or through friend or family connections.

Parkinson's UK has therefore received much support from within the masonic community.