A NEW West Devon support group for people suffering with Parkinson's will be raising awareness of its existence while holding a collection at Somerfield/Co-operative in Tavistock next week.

The Tavistock support group for Parkinson's UK will be holding the collection on Friday, February 18 to raise funds for the charity but also to try to encourage new members to join the group.

Organiser of the collection Valerie Evans, whose husband Dave has Parkinson's, said: 'I hope that people will drop into Somerfield on February 18 to talk to me about the group and why we are fundraising.

'We are delighted to have a local support group for people with Parkinson's and we need to raise funds to keep it going.'

Valerie's son Darren will also be doing his bit to raise funds for the charity by cycling from John O'Groats to Land's End within eight days.

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.

'As the UK's Parkinson's support and research charity we're leading the work to find a cure, and we're closer than ever. But our work is totally dependent on donations.

'We are incredibly grateful to Valerie, Darren and their family for their support. I hope the event will be a huge success and will encourage others to hold their own events.'

For information or support call the Parkinson's UK free confidential help line on 0808 8000303 or visit http://www.parkinsons.org.uk">www.parkinsons.org.uk