THANKS to research and modern technology, we live in an era when medical breakthroughs are producing results that truly transform people’s lives.

But it’s shocking that the foremost drug that people with Parkinson’s rely on, those like my brother in law Gordon Scarfe, has not changed in over 50 years.

Parkinson’s is a relentless, cruel condition that causes immense suffering, from deep depression and pain to complete immobility.

The lack of new treatments, and no cure, means that there is nothing to stop the relentless progression and worsening of symptoms over time for the 127,000 people living with it.

According to new findings released to highlight this month’s Parkinson’s Awareness Week, misunderstanding about Parkinson’s is still widespread.

We need to drive forward ground-breaking research.

This year is the 200th anniversary of the condition being described by Dr James Parkinson, and Parkinson’s UK have launched their first ever public fundraising appeal, We Won’t Wait, to raise the funds urgently needed to tackle the condition head on.

To find out more about the We Won’t Wait campaign and to donate, please visit wewontwait.parkinsons.org.uk

Jane Asher

President, Parkinson’s UK