News and Updates
PD Frontline Needs YOU!
PD Frontline is a UK study of people with Parkinson’s with two keys aims:
1. Improve understanding of genetic risk factors for Parkinson’s (GBA and LRRK2)
2. Connect people with trials and studies, particularly those with a genetic focus
PD Frontline is funded by Cure Parkinson’s and the Michael J Fox Foundation and supported by Parkinson’s UK ([email protected]). They currently have over 7500 participants but would very much like to expand this to as many people with Parkinson’s as possible.
The diagram below summarises how PD Frontline works:
Once participants register on the website, they will be sent a blood and saliva kit which can complete at home and return to them via post.
They then look at two genes in your DNA (GBA1 and LRRK2), which may have contributed to developing Parkinsons.
They then provide people with information on their results and give genetic counselling (a call to discuss what the results mean) if necessary.
Based on the results, they offer people the opportunity to join clinical trials for Parkinson’s Disease. This can range from studies further understanding how the disease develops to trials testing promising new medication for patients.
They are the largest UK Parkinson’s Disease participant registry, where they provide FREE genetic testing for participants. As they are the largest registry in the UK, clinical trial teams actively collaborate with them as they can help speed the process of finding a suitable group of people with Parkinson’s Disease to enter a trial.
For more information, what they do, and who they work with, visit their website: https://pdfrontline.com/en
Fighting Fit Weekend - Applications now open!
Applications are now open for Fighting Fit weekends, specifically designed to support active people diagnosed in the past 5 years with Parkinson’s.
These weekends, running from Friday to Sunday, are tailored for people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s within the last five years or so, and are able to take part in high-intensity physical activity with floor and standing activities.
At a Fighting Fit weekend you’ll have the opportunity to:
Hear from and ask questions to professionals in areas such as neuro-physiotherapy, speech and language, nutrition, medication management, and research
Take part in exercise sessions designed to keep you active and engaged
Meet others living with Parkinson’s, make new connections, and share experiences
You are welcome to bring along a family member or friend who will also benefit from the weekend’s activities and information. Each weekend is limited to approximately 20 participants, to help ensure a supportive and personalised experience.
Dates and locations:
Maidenhead: 15-17 May 2026, CIM Conference Centre, Cookham, SL6 9QH
Winchester: 5-7 June 2026, Sparsholt Conferences and Events, Sparsholt College, SO21 2NF
Canterbury: 4-6 September 2026, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NZ
Costs and financial support
The cost for the weekend is £200 for a single place, or £370 for a double place. Bursaries are available. Please get in touch on the contact details below for more information.
How to apply
You can find more and apply for Fighting Fit via the Parkinson’s UK website at: parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/fighting-fit
Past attendees have described the weekends as inspiring, informative, and motivating, and told us they are leaving with a renewed sense of confidence and positivity.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via email: [email protected] or call Katy on 0344 225 3750.
We’d love for you to join us at a Fighting Fit weekend, but if they’re not right for you, our local support look-up tool is available to find out about other Parkinson’s groups and activities near you, or you can call our free helpline on 0808 800 0303.
Scam Awareness
In our March Branch meeting we were joined by Eve Chason, Bucks Community Safety Officer, and Alan Parker, Trading Standards Scam Champion to speak about Scam Awareness.
It was a very informative and interesting talk, providing helpful advice from local experts.
If you have you been, or are you worried about being, scammed and would like more information, please get in contact.
Have you remembered to renew your membership and increase the fee to £15?
All memberships will now run from January 1st.
Please visit here for more information or please contact Paulann: [email protected]
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We will no longer be sending out branch newsletters, but monthly branch updates. This will soon include a calendar of all activities and events.
For further information about any activities or meetings please contact our branch secretary, Neru: [email protected]
* A HUGE Thank You to both The Rotary Clubs of Burnham Beeches and Maidenhead *
The Rotary Club is a global network of local community groups who spend time helping schools, charities, voluntary groups, locally and overseas, by raising funds, offering their time and experience, while meeting new people and developing friendships and having fun.
The Burnham Beeches branch very kindly donated £500 and the Maidenhead branch have chosen Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead Parkinson's Branch as one of their charities for 2026.
If you have any spare time and would like to join our branch as a Volunteer please see below for details: ️