WORCESTER Ukulele Club has handed over a record-breaking £11,092.65 to Worcester & District Branch of Parkinson’s UK.

The money has been raised by the super-strummers over the past 12 months in more than 100 gigs and appearances. Every year members vote to help a charity and this is the most raised in any one year since the club began in 2010.

The cheque was presented to Parkinson’s representatives Paul Costello, recently elected branch chairman; Kate Burgess, branch committee member and Peter Penhallow, former branch committee member.   

Mr Penhallow said: “Our thanks must also go to the public who attended these events and gave so generously. Parkinson’s is a progressively degenerative disease that affects the brain and affects one in 350 adults, for which there is currently no cure. It is also now affecting a younger age group. People think it is just shaking but it affects sufferers in many different ways, some becoming unable to walk and even become bedridden.

“The money collected will go to support those living locally affected by the disease including partners and carers, as well as providing a contribution to research into a cure for the disease, and helping to raise awareness of the disease. All activities that we offer must be funded locally.

“The branch provides a range of activities, including: exercise classes; singing classes and yoga - all of which have a beneficial effect on those affected. Well done Worcester Ukulele Club and thank you.”

Allan Corder, chairman of the Club, said: “The club is very proud to have supported Parkinson’s Worcester and District as its nominated charity for 2019. Great credit is due to our members who play in gigs, the gig leaders and to Bev Abbs who was the very enthusiastic charity lead for the year.” The club’s charity for this year is Alzheimer’s Research UK.