Fundraising for Parkinson’s UK
868. Jim Hilliard
Jim Hilliard, from East Kilbride, has dedicated over 25 years to supporting ‘Parkinson’s UK’ and those affected by the disease in his local community.
Having cared for his late wife Betty who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and passed away in 2001, Jim has been pivotal in improving local services for those with the condition. This has included fundraising to create the first Parkinson’s nurse position for his region, launching specialist exercise classes that attract up to 60 people every week, and establishing a drop-in support group.
In a personal letter to Jim, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Your involvement with ‘Parkinson’s UK’ over the last quarter of a century has helped hundreds of people struggling with this debilitating illness throughout South Lanarkshire, East Renfrewshire and the Southside of Glasgow. You have responded to the personally challenging circumstances of your late wife Betty’s diagnosis with remarkable resilience. Thanks to your unwavering commitment, you have helped secure a Parkinson’s nurse for people in your local community who are affected by the condition.”
Jim said:
“It’s a great honour to receive this award. I’m just an ordinary chap from the East End of Glasgow and it’s heartening to see the work of grassroots volunteers recognised in this way. It makes me happy that I can share this award with my late wife Betty and our family as well as with the members of the Lanarkshire and Glasgow South Branch of Parkinson’s UK. They’ve been a great support to me and so many others and it’s always a pleasure to work with them.”
Katherine Crawford, Director of Support and Local Networks at ‘Parkinson’s UK’, said:
“Parkinson’s UK is delighted that Jim’s years of hard work have been recognised by the Prime Minister. I’ve known Jim a long time and he has always been a fantastic volunteer and supporter of the charity. He is unstinting in his efforts to support people with Parkinson’s and year upon year has put in so many hours of hard work. Congratulations Jim – you are truly inspirational and really deserve this award.”