On Thursday, 24 October, the Bailey Centre Liberty Service Station will contribute ten cents per litre of fuel sold, to support the Parkinson’s Coffs Harbour Nurses Fund.

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Local delivery firm PK Express Transport has also committed to contributing an additional seven cents per litre sold.

Kicking off at 12.01am, the fundraiser runs for a full 24 hours.

The money raised goes to maintain the services of a Parkinson’s Specialist Nurse based in the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) in Coffs Harbour.

Last year the local initiative raised $4500 on a very rainy day.

Coffs Harbour Parkinson’s Group spokesperson Graham Saxby told News Of The Area that over the past ten years since introducing the role of a Parkinson’s Specialist Nurse, and the appointment of Vince Carroll to the position, there had been a number of new services and health area improvements.

“Vince has either directly assisted, or through working with other departments within the health district, has been a part of the development and/or implementation of these additional services,” Mr Saxby said.

A year ago, Coffs Harbour launched the Westmead Movement Disorder Telehealth and Fly In Fly Out specialist doctor service.

“As the specialist nurse, Vince plays an integral part in providing this service.

“He is with the person and their carers during the video conference appointments, as well as when the Movement Disorder Neurologist comes to Coffs Harbour once a month.”

Mr Carroll was also involved in the establishment of a local retirement and nursing home group and the implementation of an upskilling program for staff to improve care of the residents with Parkinson’s.

“Over the past 12 months, approximately another 60 residents of the Coffs Harbour region have been diagnosed with the lifelong, incurable and progressive condition of Parkinson’s.

“And as our area’s population grows and ages, this number will accelerate.”

Alan Bailey said it was important to support the work of the specialist nurse.

“People living with Parkinson’s, and their families and caregivers, depend on our local Parkinson’s Specialist Nurses for connection to information, advice and support,” he said.

“We are lucky to have one of these nurses in our community and this fundraiser will enable their services to continue.”

David Strickland agreed: “Our company and the local community really like to get together behind fundraising for a good cause like our Parkinson’s nurses.

“This is the perfect opportunity for us to contribute to our town and we are happy to be involved.”

By Andrea FERRARI