April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and with more people being diagnosed than ever before, we dedicated the latest episode of our Shout! Podcast to spotlighting the disease and raising awareness within the fire services community.

We highlight some of the early signs and symptoms, hear first-hand experiences of living with the disease and share how Fire Fighters Charity can offer support throughout.

First up, we heard from Linda Parker, who works in the risk department at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s last year at the age of 65, and has since been supported at Jubilee House, our centre in Cumbria.

Next, we caught up with Mike and Debbie Povey. Mike served as a firefighter with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service for 30 years, and first noticed changes in his body around two years after retiring. Together, they shared how they’ve begun to come to terms with his diagnosis over the past year.

And finally, we were joined by Fire Fighters Charity’s Nursing Services Lead, Kath Savage, who talked through some key guidance around Parkinson’s and the different ways her team supports people living with the condition.

Do you work in the UK’s fire services community? Are you aware that you may be eligible for our support too? You can find out more about the support we offer below.

Important links:

• Find out more about Fire Fighters Charity: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk.
• Parkinson’s awareness further information: Parkinson's Awareness - Fire Fighters Charity
• Seek support from Fire Fighters Charity: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/need-help or call the Support Line directly on: 0800 3898820.
• Find out more about our nursing support: Our nursing team - Fire Fighters Charity
• Find out more about getting involved and fundraising opportunities: Get involved - Fire Fighters Charity
• Get in touch with the show by emailing: [email protected] 

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