Welcome
Welcome to the
Sutton, Kingston, Epsom & Merton Branch of Parkinson’s UK.
Here you will find a wealth of advice and support for people in our area who have the condition and for their carers, family, and friends – in fact, for anyone who in anyway is affected by Parkinson’s.
The Branch is organised and run by a Committee of dedicated volunteers and, through it’s own fundraising, provides a wide range of activities to support those living with Parkinson’s in the Sutton, Kingston, Epsom and Merton areas.
Perhaps most importantly, we try to ensure that anyone who has been recently diagnosed with the condition is aware of the help, support, services, friendship and social activities we offer.
Our community are mainly people who have Parkinson’s, but our membership also includes carers, family members, and friends. We keep in touch by post, monthly email, this website, and our Branch magazine published three times a year.
So please, explore our website and consider joining our Branch.
Because no one has to face Parkinson’s alone.
For information about the activities offered by the Sutton, Kingston, Epsom & Merton branch of Parkinson’s UK please download the leaflet here.
We provide the
3 important elements
which Parkinson's consultants advise is vital for all people who have Parkinson's to do.
Stay physically active
Stay mentally active
Stay socially active
Reach out to your Parkinson's Advisors
We have two PUK Local Advisors covering our branch:
Marie King covers Sutton, Kingston and Merton.
Her email address is mking@parkinsons.org.uk
Jill Beaumont covers Epsom.
Her email address is jbeaumont@parkinsons.org.uk
Arthur (Branch Chairman)
A message from our chairman
….and so begins Spring/Summer 2026 here at SKEM, there’s much to look forward to, I’ve got a spring in my step!
We’re delighted that we’ve re-branded and changed our name to include Merton, we welcome you all.
First though, may I thank the Committee for all your ongoing hard work. Your continued commitment, dedication and tenacity to help us Parkies locally is astonishing, I salute you all!
Additionally, I’d like to thank the kind souls who are not on the Committee who have offered to assist. I am truly grateful. We are a large and growing Branch (263 members at last count), your extra support is magnificent. If you think you can offer some of your time, please do get in touch with Mary at mary@skeparkinsons.org.uk, thank you...
Parkinson's Nursing:
From both sides
See Arthur Hookway and Amanda Hulejczuk talk together about the difference Parkinson's nursing has made to them. Arthur describes how his world would be without his Parkinson's nurse, and Amanda describes her experience as a nurse and the connection she has with the Parkinson's community. This short film has been created as part of a celebration of 35 years of Parkinson's nursing.
Latest News
Parkinson’s Activities with Sutton United Foundation
Fun, friendly, and inclusive sessions for all, with extra care for those living with neuro or mobility-limiting conditions.
Looking to move more, meet others, and enjoy yourself in a supportive setting? Their weekly activities are designed to boost physical, social, and mental wellbeing—whatever your ability or experience. Led by professional coaches, each session is relaxed, welcoming, and tailored to you.
What to expect:
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A warm, sociable atmosphere
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Adaptable activities for all abilities
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Free parking at every venue
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No need to register—just turn up in comfy clothes with a bottle of water
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First session free, then just £5 per visit
Parkinson's Football - train, play and enjoy the game, your way
A fun mix of light training drills followed by a walking football match - great for fitness and teamwork.
📅 Wednesdays | 🕦 11:30–13:00
📍 Goals, 656 London Road, Sutton SM3 9BZ
Parkinson's Active - games, fun and connection
Enjoy darts, pool, board and target games that build coordination and confidence.
📅 Thursdays | 🕒 15:00–16:30
📍 Sutton United Football Club, Gander Green Lane, Sutton SM1 2EY
Parkinson's Boxing - move, stretch and feel good
A non-contact class that's great for agility, movement and lifting spirits
📅 Thursdays | 🕔 17:00–18:00
📍 Sutton United Football Club, Gander Green Lane, Sutton SM1 2EY
Any questions?
Email them at foundation@suttonunited.net.
The 100 club winners!
At the draw held in February the winners were:
£100 Christine Cleveland
£70 Sophie Hesdon
£30 Phillip Cheong
Congratulations to the winners!
Christine only signed up in January and has already won.
New prize arrangements -
Starting next month the monthly draw will be:
£100 £70 and £30 and instead of £750 in February and £150 at the Christmas dinner, there will be a special prize at the Christmas dinner of £1,000.
So sign up asap to be in with a chance of winning.
Lets have a few more entries please and we can increase the prize money even more.
If you are interested in entering, please contact 100club@skeparkinsons.org.uk or for more information go to the useful links section on our website or click here.
Radio Interview
Listen to Radio St Helier talk with Arthur Hookway (the Chairman of SKE Parkinson's UK) about the journey through Parkinsons and getting the message out about the support offered by the Sutton, Kingston and Epsom Branch of Parkinson's UK.
Radio Interview
Listen to Radio St Helier talk with Arthur Hookway (the Chairman of SKEM Parkinson's UK) about the journey through Parkinsons and getting the message out about the support offered by the Sutton, Kingston, Epsom & Merton Branch of Parkinson's UK.
Radio Interview
Listen to Radio St Helier talk with Arthur Hookway (the Chairman of SKE Parkinson's UK) about the journey through Parkinsons and getting the message out about the support offered by the Sutton, Kingston and Epsom Branch of Parkinson's UK.
Achievements of 2024
Achievements of 2024
January, February & March
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Easy Fundraising Page set up in January – At end of 2024 nearly £700 raised, with 26 members
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Appointment of Arthur Hookway as our new Chairman in February
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New event launch in February – “Sing to Beat Parkinson’s”, twice monthly in Wimbledon Park Hall
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Surrey Fire and Rescue Services Talk in March about fire safety in the home
April, May & June
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Fundraising Gala Dinner in aid of World Parkinson’s Day on 4th April – over 100 attendees, £2,400 raised
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Sutton Underpass lit up blue in support of PUK’s Light Up Blue Campaign for WPD
-
Branch Support of the Movers and Shakers Parky Charter and regular podcasts
-
Sutton Soups Pitch – second place achieved; generous donations received (more on this later)
-
Talks from Air Ambulance, Katie Harp (speech therapist) Emily Jay (PD Warrior) and our Membership Secretary Simon on Scamming
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Croquet and Indoor Bowls
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Following request from PUK, transfer of branch bank account from Lloyds to Barclays
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Initial research for possible new premises more central for all branch members
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SKE Stand at Wellbeing Event in Wallington
July, August & September
-
Afternoon Tea and Curator Talk at Bourne Hall which we recognise was not a huge success!
-
Group Speech Therapy trial sessions begin – significant member interest
-
Committee embarks on first full branch audit of income, expenditure, database, venues with a goal to create a more streamlined branch
-
In August, selected as one of two of the Mayor of Sutton’s charities for 2024
-
SKE fundraising quiz in September raised £1,000 for the branch
-
New exercise class starts in Merton
-
SKE Stand at Wellbeing event at David Weir Centre
-
Talk by Co-Op Estates on tax and care planning
October, November & December
-
“Here We Come Again” musical – Trip to Woking Theatre
-
Crowdfunding page set up to raise funds for the continuation of Group Speech Therapy
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Audit results supplied to members
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Talk by Age UK
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Christmas Dinner – largest number of supporters to date
-
Three new members join the committee for 2025 (Valerie Busby, Jenny Harding and Hugh Sear)
-
And Mary returns to support the committee too
Our Team
Our Team
January, February & March
-
Easy Fundraising Page set up in January – At end of 2024 nearly £700 raised, with 26 members
-
Appointment of Arthur Hookway as our new Chairman in February
-
New event launch in February – “Sing to Beat Parkinson’s”, twice monthly in Wimbledon Park Hall
-
Surrey Fire and Rescue Services Talk in March about fire safety in the home
April, May & June
-
Fundraising Gala Dinner in aid of World Parkinson’s Day on 4th April – over 100 attendees, £2,400 raised
-
Sutton Underpass lit up blue in support of PUK’s Light Up Blue Campaign for WPD
-
Branch Support of the Movers and Shakers Parky Charter and regular podcasts
-
Sutton Soups Pitch – second place achieved; generous donations received (more on this later)
-
Talks from Air Ambulance, Katie Harp (speech therapist) Emily Jay (PD Warrior) and our Membership Secretary Simon on Scamming
-
Croquet and Indoor Bowls
-
Following request from PUK, transfer of branch bank account from Lloyds to Barclays
-
Initial research for possible new premises more central for all branch members
-
SKE Stand at Wellbeing Event in Wallington
July, August & September
-
Afternoon Tea and Curator Talk at Bourne Hall which we recognise was not a huge success!
-
Group Speech Therapy trial sessions begin – significant member interest
-
Committee embarks on first full branch audit of income, expenditure, database, venues with a goal to create a more streamlined branch
-
In August, selected as one of two of the Mayor of Sutton’s charities for 2024
-
SKE fundraising quiz in September raised £1,000 for the branch
-
New exercise class starts in Merton
-
SKE Stand at Wellbeing event at David Weir Centre
-
Talk by Co-Op Estates on tax and care planning
October, November & December
-
“Here We Come Again” musical – Trip to Woking Theatre
-
Crowdfunding page set up to raise funds for the continuation of Group Speech Therapy
-
Audit results supplied to members
-
Talk by Age UK
-
Christmas Dinner – largest number of supporters to date
-
Three new members join the committee for 2025 (Valerie Busby, Jenny Harding and Hugh Sear)
-
And Mary returns to support the committee too
Where do we meet?
Locations
St John’s Church,
Northdown Road,
Sutton,
SM2 6DY
Bourne Hall,
Spring Street,
Ewell,
Surrey
KT17 1UF, UK
Contact Information
secretary@skeparkinsons.org.uk
07955 840281
(unmanned phone: please leave a message and we will return your call)
St.John's Church, Northdown Road, Sutton SM2 6DY
The S4 bus will drop you outside the church, or you can alight at Belmont Station Road stop.
The 280 bus is a short walk, outside the California pub, as is the S3. The 80, 420 and S1 busses are about a 10-minute walk. From Epsom, catch the S2 bus to Sutton shops on Northey Avenue and then it’s a 5 minute walk to St John’s.
The closest train station is Belmont station, a 6-minute walk.
There is free parking at the church and free on-street parking nearby.
Parkinson’s Awareness Event on World Parkinson’s Day
Date: Saturday 11th April 2026
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Sutton Central Library, St Nicholas Way, Sutton SM1 1EA
Our Parkinson’s Awareness Day held jointly with Sutton Council is nearly here and, the Sutton underpass will once again be lit up blue in support, please do come along and support this one-off opportunity. It will Feature:
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Hospital Radio St. Helier covering the whole event as a live outside broadcast including “live mic”, interviews and playing requests from the attendees.
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At least one local MP
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Three members of the Movers and Shakers who regularly broadcast an award-winning podcast about living with Parkinson’s. They will be recording a live edition.
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At least five senior staff members and others from PUK HQ who will be available to meet, speak and give interviews from a National perspective.
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Her Worship the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, the Leader of the Council and Leader of the Opposition and hopefully several councillors.
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Stalls, music, exercise demos.
A couple of jokes to brighten the day
“I don’t trust stairs. They’re always up to something.”
A couple of jokes to brighten the day
“I used to play piano by ear… now I use my hands.”
A couple of jokes to brighten the day
“I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down.”
A couple of jokes to brighten the day
“If I move slowly, don’t rush me — I’m buffering.”
Where do we meet?
Locations
St John’s Church,
Northdown Road,
Sutton,
SM2 6DY
Bourne Hall,
Spring Street,
Ewell,
Surrey
KT17 1UF, UK
Contact Information
secretary@SKEparkinsons.org.uk
07955 840281
(unmanned phone: please leave a message and we will return your call)
What to Expect if you come to an Event
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Will I fit in?
-
What if my symptoms are noticeable?
-
Do I have to join in fully?
-
What if I need to leave early?
These are the types of questions we hear, especially from those who are newly diagnosed, hesitant or coming alone to any of our events/exercise classes.
We get it.
We understand your anxiety about being judged, fear of unpredictable symptoms, fatigue and energy fluctuations for example. Your symptoms are our symptoms; they are completely normalized in every setting.
You are welcome to stay for as long or as little time as you like. If you’d prefer to listen rather than talk, that’s absolutely fine.
People with Parkinson’s experience a wide range of symptoms, and everyone understands this. There’s no pressure to explain yourself or your condition.
If you need a break or want to leave early, you’re welcome to do so at any time. It’s a safe, compassionate space.
Many people come to events on their own, especially the first time. You won’t be the only one. We are happy to introduce you to others, or you can simply find a seat and settle in.
Alternatively, you’re welcome to bring a carer, family member or friend if that helps you feel more comfortable.
Regarding our exercise classes, sessions are led by an instructor experienced in working with people with Parkinson’s. Exercises can be done seated or standing, and you are encouraged to work at your own pace.
You’re welcome to watch, take breaks, or sit out any activity. Many people do.
The instructor will demonstrate movements clearly and offer alternatives. There’s no expectation to keep up or get it “right”.
If you’re tired, in pain, or having an “off” day, that’s okay — listening to your body is encouraged.
We’ve included this section, so everyone has a shared understanding of what to expect when you come along to every event/exercise class, so everybody feels comfortable and informed. If you’d like to talk things through beforehand, please don’t hesitate to contact us.