Volunteers' Week 2026 - thanking our volunteers! by Gilly Fisher

gifisher — 2026-02-12 17:36:07 UTC

2026-02-16 13:10:30 UTC

To all our wonderful volunteers; thank you for everything you do. For your skills, energy and time, we are so lucky you chose us. Marion Homer, Volunteering Adviser

2026-02-25 16:57:01 UTC

Eileen Hayes, Volunteering Operations Lead

2026-03-02 10:27:52 UTC

I want to say a huge thank you to all our wonderful volunteers on the Volunteer Steering Group. You have been so generous by sharing your experiences, time, and skills to help shape and guide our work to develop and improve our offer for volunteers across the charity. You are all stars, and we are indebted to you for the difference you make. And a massive thank you to all volunteers - we couldn't do what we do for our Parkinson's community without you.

Adrian Blair, Chief People Officer.

2026-03-02 10:40:51 UTC

Thank you to all our volunteers, we cannot do what we do without all of you.. You make a difference, thank you.

Katy Slade, Area Development Manager

2026-03-02 11:05:31 UTC

Sending love and huge thanks to all of the wonderful volunteers who are involved with Scotland's Younger Parkinson's working group and the Scotland Family, Friends & Carers working group. Your time, wisdom and support have helped so many people over the years ⭐🩵⭐ Chloe Macmillan, Area Development Manager, Scotland

2026-03-02 12:28:06 UTC

Thank you so much to every amazing person who has donated their time to Parkinson's UK. It is thanks to our volunteers that we are able to provide a brilliant experience on event days for our supporters, with your enthusiasm at the sidelines of marathons, to smiley faces handing medals out at the finish line of our Pedal events. We could not do it without you.

From the Events Team :)

A huge thank you to all of our volunteers. We couldn't do it without you, your time, skills and enthusiasm. It's been lovely to meet so many of you and we're incredibly grateful for all that you do!! Anne Curran, Marketing Manager

2026-03-02 14:57:15 UTC

2026-03-03 13:40:55 UTC

A big thank you to all the volunteers who support the Walk for Parkinson's at Mote Park each year. You make the event both safe and fun for all the participants, and we simply couldn't host the event without you. I look forward to seeing you all again this year! James Beeching, Community Fundraiser, South- East

2026-03-03 16:35:22 UTC

Thank you so much to the brilliant campaigners who push for the best possible care and services for the Parkinson's community. Your passion and tenacity make such a difference, and we couldn't do what we do without you!

Rachel, Local Campaign Officer

2026-03-04 10:09:10 UTC

A massive thank you to all the volunteers who support our work across the UK and especially the brilliant group of volunteers who help with all of our activities and groups in London.

The range of help you provide, from leading our local groups, raising awareness, making the tea and organiasing the raffles (!), education, supporting our online groups, and leading activities is immense and we couldn't do what we do without all of you!

Alastair, Regional Lead-London

2026-03-06 10:40:37 UTC

Thank you to all our lovely volunteers! To our team of community based volunteers, who make our groups, activities and cafes sparkle; you're needed, valued and admired! The community loves what you do - keep being fabulous! Helena, Local Volunteer Officer.

2026-03-09 09:23:29 UTC

Massive thank you to all the volunteers who help to support the Parkinson's Community, especially those in our North East, North Cumbria and Yorkshire region. You make a huge difference and all your hard work is hugely appreciated by all of us at Parkinson's UK. I see the difference you make every day and it is phenomenal!

Kirsty, Joint Regional Lead for the North East & Yorkshire

2026-03-09 15:13:26 UTC

Thank you to every volunteer who helps us develop better, more useful health content.

Last year we sent out more than 340,000 pieces of print content, as well as all our online information. And every single page has been reviewed and improved by volunteers.

Each one of you selflessly uses your experience to make sure we answer the questions that people affected by Parkinson's really have.

Your patient reviewing, wise suggestions and "eyes on the ground" are so powerful, and so generously given. We are very thankful.

Helen, Editorial Manager (Health Content)

A huge thank you!

2026-03-10 14:25:42 UTC

Lucy Knight, Volunteering Adviser

2026-03-11 13:38:32 UTC

Thank you to all our incredible volunteers who give their time and talents to support Parkinson's UK. You make an enormous contribution and do such valuable work for the Parkinson's community.

Fiona

Membership Development Manager

2026-03-12 10:25:38 UTC

I want to say a huge thank you to all our PPI contributor volunteers and members of the Involvement Steering Group! It’s a joy to work with you - your dedication, hard work and insights are helping make research better. Thank you!

Anne Gill, Research Involvement Officer

Above and beyond

2026-03-18 10:39:15 UTC

I would like to say a huge thank you to the Sutton, Kingston, Epsom & Merton branch for everything they do for the Parkinson's community - there is a massive event coming up for World Parkinson's Day - they have worked so incredibly hard to bring this event together with the London Borough of Sutton councillors and the Mayor to showcase awareness of the condition and how they offer - support, advice and friendship locally.

Good luck on WPD Saturday 11 April at Sutton Public Library - you are going to smash it!!

From Jan Williams

Diolch o Gymru

2026-03-18 16:14:57 UTC

Diolch yn fawr iawn i'r holl gwirfoddolwyr ar ddraws Gymru sy'n 'neud gwahaniaeth pob dydd. Diolch o'r galon.

2026-03-24 15:11:13 UTC

A big thanks to all our brilliant volunteers in Northern Ireland! From the little things to the mighty commitments, we appreciate it all.

Anne and Emma

Volunteer Educators

2026-03-30 09:21:21 UTC

Thank you all so very much for everything you continue to do. You make huge changes in the lives of people with Parkinson's and we are very grateful to you all. It is a privilege to be part of your team. Trish Eccles, Volunteer Led Education Manager

2026-03-30 13:52:05 UTC

Thank you so much to all of our wonderful volunteers! And a special shout-out to those in North and West Yorkshire!

In our eyes, you're all award winners. We simply wouldn't be able to reach and support the community locally without you. We're good at a bit of self-deprecation in these parts, but we see everything you do and we couldn't be more grateful. You might feel that your input isn't worthy of celebration, but every tiny reassurance you provide to someone who isn't sure where to turn is worth its weight in gold.

So this week, take the time to put the kettle on and take 5 minutes for you. You've earned it.

Becki Craft

Local Volunteer Officer

You are amazing!

jmwilson20 — 2026-03-30 14:46:39 UTC

Thank you for being so amazing and helping us to make a difference in the lives of people living with Parkinson's. You go the extra mile, and above and beyond. Please be assured you are valued and cared about by your local team and the wider charity. With warmest regards. Julie Wilson, Area Development Manager for the East Region.

Diolch Live Loud! Volunteers

2026-03-31 07:56:12 UTC

Thank you to the Live Loud! volunteers. Diolch o'r galon.

Thanks from the south east

2026-03-31 11:34:40 UTC

Thank you to all our amazing volunteers across Kent and East Sussex. From Janine and Elisa

2026-03-31 11:39:10 UTC

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who support the Parkinson's community through our groups, cafes and activities - especially our fabulous Northern Ireland volunteers. You change people's lives!

All your dedication and hard work is hugely appreciated. Thank you.

Morag Chambers - Volunteer Co-Ordinator NI.

2026-03-31 13:40:05 UTC

Thank you to all the Scotland Volunteers, especially thoes who encourage and promote physical activity within their groups and local community. You are an inspiration. Thanks for all that you do. Much Love, Amanda McKay Physical Activity Delivery Manager, Scotland.

To all those volunteers who get everyone moving....you are amazing!

2026-03-31 14:40:03 UTC

Thank you for all your support and contribution to the physical activity team. You all go above and beyond providing invaluable opportunities for the whole community!! We value you so much, Anna Castiaux and the whole physical activity team

2026-04-01 10:33:44 UTC

A massive thank you to all the volunteers in Northern Ireland who work so hard to support the Parkinson's community here - running support groups and organising fun activities to help get people socialising and moving. You're all doing a fantastic job, and it means so much to all the people you are supporting!

Picture: Ballymena Branch committee members meeting with one of their local MLAs at a recent group meeting.

Thank you East Midlands Volunteers!

2026-04-01 13:07:12 UTC

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who support the Parkinson's Community, especially the brilliant volunteers in Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire! You all make such a difference, and all your efforts are truly appreciated.

Debbie Gaskell, Local Volunteer Officer

2026-04-02 08:41:11 UTC

Thank you hardly seems enough to say to all the wonderful local group volunteers who work tirelessly to make a difference to the Parkinson's community where they live. We really appreciate everything you do - you're inspiring!

Helen Prince

Group and Peer Support programme lead

Thank you North West volunteers!

2026-04-02 09:23:50 UTC

A big thank you to all our incredible volunteers across the North West for giving your time, energy and skills to support our Parkinson's community. Helen Sturman, Area Development Manager

Thank you to all our Volunteers in Shropshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire Solihull & Birmingham

2026-04-07 09:48:20 UTC

To our wonderful team of volunteers,

I wanted to take a moment to send a huge and sincere thank you to each and every one of you.

The heart of our groups is its people, and your dedication is what keeps us moving forward. Whether you have been with us for years or have recently joined, the time, energy, and kindness you give so freely makes a profound difference to our community.

Thank you for your hard work, your smiles, and for being such an essential part of our Parkinson's community.

We truly couldn’t do it without you.

With deepest gratitude, Jackie Conn Local Volunteer Officer

2026-04-08 09:14:52 UTC

A massive thank you to all of our incredible volunteers throughout Scotland.

Bruce Port, Community Fundraiser for East & Highlands of Scotland.

cdenby10 — 2026-04-09 12:35:17 UTC

A Personal Thank You to Our Amazing Local Groups Volunteers and Leads!

Whether you support a branch, café, or support group, you are all truly wonderful. I want to express my personal gratitude for everything you do.

You approach your role with such warmth and a smile, and you are all genuinely amazing. The time and commitment you dedicate to your groups are crucial to the Parkinson’s community, and without you, these vital groups simply wouldn't exist. We absolutely could not do what we do without you!

I look forward to visiting you all again soon and catching up on your news.

Claire Denby

Local Volunteer Officer

2026-04-10 08:49:01 UTC

A huge thank you to everyone who volunteers for us at Parkinson's UK. You are the difference makers and so many people's lives are better because of everything you do.

Phil, England Country Director

Thank you to all the volunteers across Kent and East Sussex!

2026-04-13 15:28:11 UTC

A sincere thank you for your tireless efforts and dedication in running your group. You make a huge difference to the lives of those with Parkinson's offering them invaluable support and friendship. Love Elisa and Janine.

Thank you

2026-04-15 09:57:15 UTC

Thank you from the Community Programmes and Group Development Team

2026-04-15 15:05:16 UTC

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I am fortunate to meet volunteers across all parts of the North West region and every one brings a smile whilst making a positive impact for all those affected by Parkinson's. I regularly see volunteers whose steadfast commitment is incredible, turning up week after week at groups always ensuring there is a friendly face and support for anyone who needs it. We are so grateful and appreciative for everything you do and we will be celebrating you all at our local Volunteer Connect events! We truly appreciate you.

Hayley Misell, England Regional Lead - North West

Lay grant reviewers and lay review co-ordinators

2026-04-16 10:08:05 UTC

Thank you so much to our fantastic lay review co-ordinators and lay grant reviewers,who represent the views of people affected by Parkinson's by reviewing research grant applications. You make sure that the research the charity funds is relevant and matters to people with Parkinson’s and makes the biggest possible difference to the lives of people with the condition. We love working alongside you and your commitment, energy and insight is so essential to the work we do.

Michelle Bendix. Research grants, projects and planning lead

You're simply the best! Thank you

2026-04-17 12:48:31 UTC

Thank you for supporting our work, and for all you do to make the lives of people with Parkinson's, their families and friends better.

You're a vital part of the charity and you're all simply the best!

Laura Cockram

Head of Campaigns

2026-04-21 08:49:33 UTC

Thank you to all the Parkinson's UK volunteers, we really appreciate all that you do in the North West and beyond.

Emma Hughes, Area Development Manager, North West :)

2026-04-23 09:25:54 UTC

Thank you to all our physical activity, exercise and wellbeing volunteers who work tirelessly to help more people live well with Parkinson's.

Since I started at the charity, I've had the pleasure of meeting many volunteers who support physical activity projects across the UK and it's fantastic to see how their enthusiasm and dedication helps more people with Parkinson's every day.

Philip Lindley, Physical Activity Communications Officer

Thank you for supporting Research!

2026-04-23 15:39:27 UTC

Happy Volunteers' Week and THANK YOU to everyone who has supported Research this year - through volunteering with us, sharing news and opportunities with others, taking part in a study, fundraising and donating, attending a research event, and all the other brilliant ways you help to drive Research forward - we appreciate you and couldn't make progress without you! Thank you for all you do. Liz Nash, Research Support Network Lead

Thank you Research Volunteers!

2026-04-23 15:48:54 UTC

Thank you to all our over 500 Research Volunteers for everything you do to support research. You are all amazing and the things you do to champion research are so valued. It's been so lovely to meet many more of you online this year at our webinars, and I hope to meet even more of you in the coming year!

A special thank you to our truly brilliant Progress Editorial Board. You are all amazing, and your insights, experience and expertise are key to making the magazine the success it is. Last year was the best one yet and this year's edition is set to be even better! We simply couldn't do it without you.

Thank you.

Becky

Research Communications Lead

To The Scotland Group Volunteers

2026-04-24 10:47:21 UTC

Huge thanks to all of you, in all of the groups across Scotland - I hope you know how much you are appreciated for all that you do.

Alice Hall, Volunteer Coordinator, Scotland.

2026-04-27 08:58:34 UTC

A huge thank you to all volunteers for all you do to support and drive change for people with Parkinson's, their families and friends.

An extra shout out to all of the patient and public involvement contributors and Research Involvement Steering Group members. Thank you for sharing your time, energy and expertise with us and with researchers. You help make research more relevant, practical, engaging and impactful.

It's a pleasure working with you!

Thank you!

Laura

Research Involvement Manager

2026-04-27 09:58:45 UTC

A massive thank you to all our volunteers, and happy volunteers week! A special thank you to our Participation Steering Group, Race Equality in Research steering group, and Black, Asian, Arab and Mixed Heritage Support group leads.

These volunteers have made incredible strides in ensuring that our work isn't just impactful, but equitable. By breaking down barriers and championing representation, you are helping to make research and support accessible for the entire Parkinson’s community.

Working in partnership with you all is the highlight of my work. Thank you!

Alex Edwards, Research Participation and Engagement Manager

2026-04-27 11:26:37 UTC

Thank you so much to the brilliant volunteers who are working to improve the delivery of time critical medication for people with Parkinson's. Together you've shared your stories to raise awareness, reviewed materials to help us get our guidance right and campaigned for improvement at local hospitals across the UK. Your passion, determination and bravery make a huge difference. Thank you!

A huge thank you!

2026-04-27 11:36:28 UTC

Happy Volunteers Week to the most brilliant bunch of volunteers! Thank you for all you do to raise awareness of Parkinson's, campaign for change, fundraise, take part in research and so much more. You all make the greatest difference.

A particular thanks from me to those volunteers who've been sharing your stories with Westminster politicians and highlighting the need for change this year. Your voices make all the difference.

Thank you!

Laura Mullaney

Public Affairs Officer

To all our volunteers across Scotland

2026-04-28 09:36:17 UTC

We're so thankful for everything you do to support people with Parkinson's and their family, friends and carers across Scotland. We couldn't do the things we do without YOU.

We appreciate you ALL so VERY MUCH!

From everyone in the Scotland Community Team xx

Dziękuję

2026-04-28 15:55:13 UTC

Dziękujemy naszym polskim wolontariuszom z grupy wsparcia. Doceniamy wszystko, co robicie.

You make life better for so many

2026-04-29 08:39:20 UTC

Each week, thousands of volunteers like you, tirelessly support tends of thousands of people across our community - from local groups, to newly diagnosed events, supporting physical activity groups, getting involved in research and campaigns, the list is endless. You make peoples' lives better in so many ways. It's not always easy being a volunteer, you don't always get a thank you on the day - but please never doubt the difference you make to so many and how valued you are. David Newbold, Director of Community (and regular Volunteer)

To all campaigns volunteers in the North East and Yorkshire

2026-04-29 10:45:36 UTC

I am continuously blown away by how LEGENDARY you all are! From organising awareness raising stalls in hospitals, to meeting and lobbying your elected representatives to building community events to raise awareness and even standing outside hospitals in the freezing cold to make your voices heard!

You are all amazing and inspiring and I feel so privileged to get to work with you!

Thank you so much!

Mattie - Local Campaigns Officer

Diolch / Thank you

2026-04-29 16:36:56 UTC

To all the wonderful volunteers across Wales, sending you love, thanks and appreciation for all that you do. We really do mean it when we say, we could not have the same impact or reach without you all by our side. We are grateful for every single one of you.

Diolch yn fawr iawn, from Team Cymru.

ekwilliams11 — 2026-04-30 08:27:10 UTC

A huge thank you to our wonderful research volunteers, you truly are making a difference and helping us drive research forward. A special shout out to those who help us plan and deliver our research events. It’s a joy to work alongside you.

Emma Williams, Research Events and Engagement Manager

2026-05-01 15:46:11 UTC

A huge thank you to all our wonderful volunteers in Northern Ireland, particularly those that come out each year to support us with our 'Walk for Parkinson's' event in Belfast. We couldn't do it without you. Thank you from the NI Fundraising team.

A thank you message from Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive

gifisher — 2026-05-06 14:22:31 UTC

Thank you from the East team

2026-05-06 15:46:16 UTC

Three cheers to all of our wonderful volunteers in the East. You make so much difference to our community, you get involved, you give your all and always with a smile and a caring heart. Thank you all so much. We couldn't do it without you.

You are amazing!

Claire, Julie, Ian, Lisa, Tom, Rachel, Elaine, Becky, Roisin, Emma, Sarah, Joanna and Kate

Thank you!

2026-05-08 10:24:37 UTC

To our fabulous newly diagnosed team volunteers. You delivered support to 138 people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s between January and March this year. 138 people who have connected, shared, learned and now feel less alone as they go forward armed with information and support from the Parkinson’s community.

We’ve been reflecting on feedback from the recent First Steps groups, and so much of what people value comes directly from you:

feeling less alone and being able to talk to others who truly understand
having a space where “no question is silly”
gaining confidence to take small steps forward
and simply being with people who don’t need things explained

That sense of connection, reassurance, and encouragement keeps coming through again and again—and it’s down to the time, care, and openness you bring as hosts.

Thank you!

Linny, Martha, Brooke and Lyn

Thank you from the Finance Team

2026-05-14 15:03:44 UTC

A huge thank you to all our amazing volunteers for everything you do to support the Parkinson’s community.

A special thank you to everyone who helps with the finance side of things. We really appreciate your willingness to learn and the behind-the-scenes support you provide, which helps groups to function. It makes a huge difference and keeps everything running smoothly.

We are so grateful to have you with us – thank you for being such an important part of the Parkinson's UK family. 💙

2026-05-18 08:25:14 UTC

To all the volunteers across Yorkshire and the Humber, I am sending you a huge 'thank you'. The time, energy and commitment you give is so much appreciated. The skills and experience you bring ensures that the Parkinson's community is in safe hands. We couldn't do it without you. It is a pleasure to work alongside you.

Alison Lofas, Area Development Manager, Yorkshire and Humber.

2026-05-18 08:48:25 UTC

Happy Volunteers' Week and a HUGE thank you to all volunteers at Parkinson's UK! Thank you for all that you do. 🩵

I feel so fortunate to work with such a fantastic bunch of local group volunteers across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. I am constantly blown away by just how brilliant you all are. Your dedication, passion, drive and commitment to our cause never ceases to amaze me and you inspire me to do and be better myself. Thank, you, thank you, thank you; you bunch of absolute legends!

Hannah Spawls

Local Volunteer Officer

2026-05-18 13:39:29 UTC

North London Volunteers- The way you keep our groups going, providing support with such passion and enthusiasm, is truly inspiring.Thank you for everything you do and for volunteering :)Best wishes, Karina

Here's to our Campaigns Volunteers in the East!

2026-05-21 12:02:05 UTC

In my second month at Parkinson's UK I'm still learning how many incredible things that Campaigns Volunteers in the East Region have achieved. Each of you I meet impresses me even more, with your expertise and determination to create change. Thank you for all you have done, and all you will do in the years to come!

Ben Butler, Local Campaigns Officer - East

Thank you to the Volunteering Steering Group

ckamara1 — 2026-05-22 09:36:27 UTC

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I want to say a special thank you to Anne, Kevin, Ellen, Richard, Pamela, Scott, Jane, Nicky and Michael in the Volunteering Steering Group for helping to improve the volunteer experience over the past 18 months. You’ve supported us with the volunteer survey, shaping our Volunteering Action Plan and redesigning the volunteer recruitment process to name a few. I value your insight and expertise as well as your commitment to making sure volunteers have a great experience so that we can make a positive impact on people with and affected by Parkinson’s.

Cass Kamara, Head of Volunteering

Thank you to all our wondeful volunteers!

gifisher — 2026-05-22 12:33:09 UTC

A huge thank you to everyone for sharing your time, energy and skills to help improve life for people with Parkinson's. Volunteers’ Week is a focus for celebrating every single volunteer and every single moment of time that volunteers donate. You help us to achieve incredible things. I look forward to meeting more of you over time. Happy Volunteers' Week to you all! Gilly, Volunteering Adviser

2026-05-26 11:03:39 UTC

A huge THANK YOU to all my Volunteers in the North!

You are amazingly committed and dedicated to supporting the Parkinson's community. I am truly inspired by the way you run your groups, manage your time, and arrange so many incredible events across our region.

So this Volunteers' Week, take a bow and let us applaud the great work that you do. 👏x

Mike Kelly LVO

2026-05-28 10:30:47 UTC

All of our volunteers in Northern Ireland are amazing - I have so much admiration for all that you do. Dedicated, welcoming and so giving of your time. Please know that everything you do makes a difference. I especially want to thank all the people who tell me their story with openness and willingness to help. Every voice we share helps someone else know that they are not alone. You are all superstars! Keep on being brilliant.

Catherine Doran - Media and Communications Manager, Northern Ireland