A LOCAL Parkinson’s group is making an appeal to bring a smile to the affected adults this Christmas.

The chairman of ‘Friends of Parkies’, Elaine Payne, has put a call out for help with the first Secret Santa to be held by the group.

They are currently looking for people’s donations and are hoping to put a smile on their member’s faces at their Christmas lunch this year.

Elaine, 66 and a retired banker, said: “I was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015, and at first, I was in denial – I thought ‘how could this happen to me’.

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“But then I decided that the best way is to do something about it.

“Now I am forever organising something, trying to make people more aware that it exists and there is help.”

Ever since the appeal went online, the group had a lot of people offering to help with the wrapping, but now they are looking for more presents.

“I had a lot of offers of help to wrap”, she added, “But we need more stuff to wrap – no big stuff, just small gifts that people would think ‘that would make someone smile’”.

Border Counties Advertizer: 'Friends of Parkies' at one of their meetings.'Friends of Parkies' at one of their meetings. (Image: Friends of Parkies)

The Christmas lunch that the group is organising will be held on Thursday, December 14, at Moreton Hall in Weston Rhyn.

Elaine explained that they wanted the event to be private.

“We wanted to hold it in private”, she continued, “When you have Parkinson’s you can drop your food and other things, and we thought it’s best held in private, it’s quite sad but it’s true.”

The group also raises money for a CUE 1 device that helps with improvement of movement for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s and Elaine said it changed her life.

She added: “I had a stiff arm, and I couldn’t smile because of it [Parkinson’s].

“But then I got the CUE 1, and now I can write and smile and use my arm – which is amazing.”

The device is attached on the chest and sends vibrations to the brain, alleviating some of the symptoms.

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The group, based in Gobowen, meets every second Wednesday of the month.

"We want to let people know that there is a support group available", Elaine added.

To get in touch with Elaine and to help with the Secret Santa project or with any queries you can do so on 07760 685447