A TULLIBODY woman is gearing up to take on a charity walk to raise funds for Parkinson’s treatment.

Gill Millar, 61, is on a mission to complete the Walk for Parkinson’s fundraiser in Hamilton next month.

Gill was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in February and has sworn to remain active to manager her condition, leading her to take on the walk.

She is determined to play her part in helping search for new treatments for Parkinson’s, with all proceeds raised by her walk funding research.

She said: “I’m keen to learn more about the condition, what to expect, and determined to tackle it head-on.

“I was advised that regular physical activity is one of the best ways to manage my symptoms.

“I already do yoga twice a week and burlesque chair dance once a week, which helps keep me mobile.

“I’m excited to take part in Walk for Parkinson’s both as a means to keep active, with the added bonus of raising some money for research.

“Gordon, my husband, has signed up with me for the six-mile challenge.

“I’m looking forward to being in the company of people who are going through the same as me and being part of a real community of support.”

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, with almost 13,000 people living with the condition in Scotland.

It is estimated that that number will have increased to around 15,000 within five years, according to Parkinson’s UK.

Gill retired four years ago but helps out in a charity shop once a week to remain active, and first noticed a tremor and decreased movement in her left arm, which led to her diagnosis.

She continued: “I have difficulty doing things like buttoning clothes, opening jars and small movements like waving and stirring.

“It’s so important to work towards a cure or new treatments, which can limit or delay the onset of the condition.

“It blew my mind to find out there are more than 40 different symptoms associated with Parkinson’s.

“If more ways can be found to help with any of these, it would be invaluable.”

The Walk for Parkinson’s will be taking place at the Chatelherault Country Park in Hamilton on Sunday, June 2.

A similar event is also scheduled for Lochore Meadows in Fife on Sunday, October 6.

Julie Ionta, community fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK, said: “It’s inspiring to have people like Gill sign up for Walk for Parkinson’s to help raise money to fund research into the most promising new treatments.

“We hope as many people as possible will come along to take part in one of our walks, which promise to be a lot of fun.

“We’re also keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in volunteering to support the smooth running of the event.”

More information and details on how to sign up, take part and volunteer can be found at the Parkinson’s UK website.