PEOPLE and businesses in West Devon have been showing their support for a new Parkinson's UK group in Tavistock.

Last month Val Evans spent a day in Tavistock's Somerfield/Co-operative store, raising awareness of the groups existence and funds to keep it going.

Staff and customers generously donated more than £200.

Val said: 'It was lovely that so many people came over to speak to me about the group and I would like to send a huge thank you to everyone who contributed. Including the manager of Somerfield who gave a gift voucher for the draw prize.'

The winner of this was Steve Dowse of Tavistock.

Val's son Darren is currently preparing for a fundraising challenge in aid of the new local Parkinson's UK group, aiming to cycle from John o' Groats to Land's End in just eight days in May! Darren will cycle alone but will be accompanied by his brother Mathew. His company The Drivers Academy is supplying the support vehicle.

Paul Jackson-Clark, director of fundraising at Parkinson's UK, said: 'Holding an event like this is a fantastic way to raise vital funds to support our work. We are incredibly grateful to Val, Darren and their family, for their support.'

Darren is funding the entire trip himself so all money donated will go to support Tavistock's branch of Parkinson's UK. This group meets in The Anchorage Centre from 10.30 to 12 noon on the last Tuesday of every month and is open to anyone whose life has been affected by Parkinson's, sufferers, family members and carers.

If you would like to know more about Darren's challenge or to sponsor him please visit http://www.darrensport.wordpress.com">www.darrensport.wordpress.com

For information and support call the Parkinson's UK free confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303 or visit http://www.parkinsons.org.uk">www.parkinsons.org.uk

Parkinson's UK is the new name for the Parkinson's Disease Society of the United Kingdom.