- Jun 18
Updated: Jul 15
Dear members, |
I have just received the following request for help from our member, and producer of the “Movers and Shakers Podcast” Mark Mardell which is self-explanatory. Hi Arthur, I was just getting back in touch with a bit of a request for advice—and possibly help. As you may have spotted, I’ve become a bit manic about getting the petition up to 100,000 signatures. It’s proving much tougher than I expected. Many areas are still showing very low numbers. Even though we launched the friendly competition on the PUK groups, it hasn’t really been taken up as a serious challenge—apart from Bexhill, who are doing marvellously (although in this context, “marvellously” means just over 300!). One piece of advice from a Parkinson’s UK organiser really struck home: pluck the low-hanging fruit. In other words, make sure everyone in your immediate circle has signed—friends, family, neighbours—anyone close to you. It really could make a difference. Right now, Sutton has 60 signatures, Epsom 87, Kingston 84. Without counting precisely, I think there are around ten people on the committee. If each could sign up just three others, that’s 40 more signatures right there. I imagine most of them have already signed and probably got their partners to do so too—but if not, could you give them a nudge? Or would you like me to? It would also be brilliant if they could encourage their children, children’s friends, close mates, and so on. This petition really matters—it’s our best shot at getting people to take to the streets and be seen. After this Friday, once we know the outcome of the assisted dying bill, I’ll hopefully have a bit more time again (less to do for Prospect), and I’m planning to come along to either the karaoke or singing—or both—in July. Also, are there any other big events coming up in Sutton, Kingston, or Epsom? Not necessarily Parkinson’s-related—just any summer fairs or public gatherings where there’ll be crowds. I'd be happy to go along and ask people to sign. I’ve got details about T-shirts and leaflets if that would help. Very best—and thinking of you, Mark I am sure that many of you will have already signed this very important petition, which is very close to all of our hearts. But I am now imploring each and every one of you to sign it if you haven’t, ask all of your families and friends to sign it if they haven’t and ask them to send it to their friends and associates to sign it if they haven’t……..and so on. Come on Guys and Girls, let’s assist Mark and the team with a huge amount of support to an issue of vital importance to us all. Thanks and warmest wishes, Arthur. |