Morecambe Football Club have today announced The Cure Parkinson’s Trust (CPT), a charity dedicated to finding a cure for the condition, as their official charity partner.
The partnership will kick off Morecambe FC’s plan to engage with supporters and help raise funds and awareness for the charity.
The partnership came about through CPT ambassador Charlie Appleyard, who was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s in 2016 and is a lifelong Morecambe supporter. Charlie, who also plays for a Young Onset Parkinson’s football team, will be at the match to represent the charity and will speak to club members ahead of the game about CPT and about Parkinson’s, a condition which will affect one in 37 people in their lifetime.
Parkinson’s is a degenerative, neurological condition for which there is currently no cure. Symptoms can include tremors, stiffness, balance problems, sleep disruption, pain and many others. The Cure Parkinson’s Trust is devoted to funding pioneering research with the potential to slow, stop or reverse Parkinson’s.
Will Cook, CEO of The Cure Parkinson’s Trust, said: “We are delighted that Morecambe FC has named The Cure Parkinson’s Trust as its charity partner.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for the charity and the club to work together to fund exciting research to find a cure for Parkinson’s. Exercise through sport can help people with Parkinson’s feel and function better, but that is not a cure. CPT is about the cure, and we feel stronger and bolder with the mighty MFC behind us. Come on you Shrimps!”
Rod Taylor, Morecambe FC’s Joint chairman, said: “The club is delighted to add its support to The Cure Parkinson’s Trust.
“We have learned so much about Parkinson’s recently through our relationship with Charlie Appleyard and he has proved to be an inspiration.
“The club is delighted to add its support to the charity and we are sure our fans will do all they can to support such a valuable cause.''
There will be a text to donate campaign promoted on screens throughout the ground; those wishing to support The Cure Parkinson’s Trust (CPT) can text GOAL to 70450 to donate £5.