HOST A FEEL GOOD FESTIVAL FOR PARKINSON’S UK THIS SUMMER 

With the clocks springing forward on Sunday 26 March, Parkinson’s UK is urging people to get ready for sunnier days and bring the fun, festival vibe to their gardens, by taking part in a brand new fundraising activity.

Garden Gathering, a new feel good fundraiser, encourages people across the country to host mini-festivals with family and friends in their own gardens or favourite outdoor spaces.

Diarmuid Gavin, an inspirational gardener and Chelsea Flower Show favourite, is backing Garden Gathering to help raise funds for the charity’s work to support people living with Parkinson’s and to support research into better treatments and a cure.

Diarmuid said, “I’m passionate about spending as much time in the fresh air as possible, and love to entertain outdoors in the summer in Ireland, where I live.

‘No matter how big or small your garden I’m encouraging everyone to use their special spaces for a Garden Gathering.  Let’s get together with family and friends to raise lots of money for Parkinson’s UK – cheers!”

Paul Jackson-Clark, Director of Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, explains: “You don’t have to go to Glastonbury or Bestival to get that festival feeling. Garden Gathering is the perfect opportunity to bring together friends and family closer to home.

‘July 1^st is Garden Gathering day, but you can hold your mini-festival at any time during the summer. We are looking forward to seeing what events people organise.  We hope that everyone will get behind us to make our first year a huge success”.

Garden Gatherers can order a fundraising pack full of tips for organising events, including festival wristbands, a teepee donation box, and a festival themed fundraising game.

For more information on hosting your own Garden Gathering for Parkinson’s UK and to request a fundraising pack, contact the Garden Gathering team on gardengathering@parkinsons.org.uk, call 0800 138 6593, or visithttps://www.parkinsons.org.uk/gardengathering