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8th Aug
Communities
Our Broadleaf House community in Wylde Green welcomed homeowners, friends, families and members of the local community for a charity garden party in support of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Branch of Parkinson’s UK.
Guests enjoyed live jazz, refreshments, garden games, a raffle and tombola, helping to raise funds for local activities for people living with Parkinson’s and research into the condition.
At the heart of the event was our homeowner John Lawton, President of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Branch of Parkinson’s UK, who has been involved with the charity for more than 20 years.
John first became involved after his wife was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
“Like most people when someone is first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, you don’t know where to turn,” he said. “Joining our local Parkinson’s group meant we found people who understood exactly what we were going through. It wasn’t just support for the person with Parkinson’s, it was support for partners and families too.
“Over the years we’ve built a wonderful community where people help each other, share advice and know they’re not facing things alone. That’s why it’s remained such an important part of my life.”
More than 20 years of support
The Royal Sutton Coldfield branch has grown from around 20 regular attendees to more than 65 people meeting each week, offering exercise sessions, social activities, expert advice and friendship for people living with Parkinson’s and their families.
The branch estimates that it has contributed more than £180,000 towards Parkinson’s research over the years, as well as helping to subsidise holidays, trips and activities for local members.
John moved to Broadleaf House around a year ago, having lived alone since his wife died 12 years ago, and says his new home has allowed him to continue supporting a cause that remains hugely important to him.
“I’ve been more than happy since moving here,” he said. “It’s been a great move. It’s a wonderful community and the staff are outstanding. They do everything they can to help people and keep everyone involved.
“When Tracey, general manager here, mentioned Broadleaf House was looking to support a charity, it felt like the perfect opportunity.”
A smaller fundraising event earlier in the year proved so popular that our homeowners and team decided to build on it with the garden party.
John added: “It’s been lovely to see homeowners, the team here and the Parkinson’s community all working together. We’ve raised some valuable funds, introduced more people to the support that’s available through Parkinson’s UK and shown what a welcoming place Broadleaf House is.”
Bringing the local community together
Tracey Walsh, General Manager at Broadleaf House, said: “Supporting our local community is incredibly important to us and it has been a privilege to work alongside John and the Royal Sutton Coldfield Branch of Parkinson’s UK to bring everyone together for such a special afternoon.
“John’s passion, enthusiasm and commitment to helping others has been truly inspiring. We were delighted to open our doors to the community and would like to thank everyone who came along, donated prizes, bought raffle tickets and helped make the event such a wonderful success.”
We were also delighted to welcome Councillor Alex Yip to the garden party, who congratulated everyone involved in making the event a success.
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