MEMBERS of a Bracknell support group have made a splash with a £1,000 donation towards hydrotherapy sessions.

The Bracknell and District Branch of Parkinson's UK, which currently supports more than 120 people and their carers within the local area, received the generous donation from housebuilder CALA Homes, which is currently overseeing the Millennium Fields development in Sandy Lane.

The company's bursary fund invited local groups and charities to apply for funding for a variety of projects, and Bracknell and District's Parkinson's branch was chosen as one of the recipients.

Will Hague, the group's secretary said: “People with Parkinson’s find that their movements become slower so it takes longer to do things; this can make everyday activities, such as eating, getting dressed, or using a phone or computer, difficult or frustrating. We have been running subsidised hydrotherapy sessions in the area for just over 10 years and it is incredibly popular. With aquatic therapy and exercise, symptoms of Parkinson’s can be managed and mobility and muscle function can be maintained.

“We are so grateful to CALA Homes for their kind £1,000 donation, which will enable us to continue to subsidise our hydrotherapy classes, making them accessible to all our members.”

Nick Twine, Managing Director for CALA Homes (Thames), said: “We faced an incredibly tough decision when choosing the final successful groups for this year’s Community Bursary scheme, after receiving a huge number of amazing applications from so many worthwhile causes. The work the Bracknell and District Parkinson’s Branch does is invaluable to its members and a fantastic example of how important it is to have such a strong support network when coping with one of life’s many challenges."