A new Parkinson’s support group has launched at the Claygate Centre for the Community.

The eagerly awaited facility was made possible by Councillor Barry Cheyne’s decision to make Parkinson’s UK his chosen charity during his mayoral year in 2010-11.

All funds raised during that year will be used to support those in the borough suffering from Parkinson’s disease and their carers.

More than 20 people attended the launch earlier this month, many of whom stayed for lunch and took part in new activities.

Coun Cheyne said: “My wife and I are delighted that this facility for Parkinson’s sufferers has now been established. It was a great pleasure to meet local people who will value the group and who came along to the launch to find out more.

“We now feel very confident that sufferers from this most debilitating disease in the eastern part of our borough will receive the support they need and deserve and we look forward to watching with interest the development of the group.”

The new group will meet weekly on a Monday and will be developing a programme working with two Parkinson’s support group leaders.

For more information about the group, contact Trudy O’Keefe, Claygate Centre manager, on 01372 463476.