Jackie Parkinson takes leap of faith with £2,000 tandem skydive to save Parkinson's classes in Grindleton
Wife's daring leap secures future of the Neuro-Moves sessions in Grindleton until Christmas
A loving wife has taken a leap of faith – quite literally – to help keep a much-loved weekly class going for her husband and others living with Parkinson’s disease.
Jackie Parkinson fulfilled a lifelong ambition by taking part in a tandem skydive, raising £2,000 to help secure the future of the Neuro-Moves sessions in Grindleton, which have become an important part of her and husband Michael’s lives.
With funding for the classes running out, Jackie decided it was time to do something to help keep them going.
The sessions, hosted by LPM Dance and led by Filomena Ianni, bring together people with neurological conditions for movement, music and friendship.
Michael, a lifelong Burnley FC supporter and season ticket holder, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Jackie attends the classes with him, offering support while also enjoying the fun and sense of community they provide.
She said: “I attend the classes with Michael as I enjoy supporting him, but I also love the movement and fun.
“It has become a big part of our week and now that funding is running out, I thought, ‘It’s time for me to do something to help’, so my dream of a tandem skydive came to mind.”
On October 1, Jackie headed to the Black Knights Parachute Centre near Cockerham on a beautiful sunny day, with Michael, friends and fellow class members there to cheer her on.
Her daring leap proved a huge success, bringing in £2,000 – enough to keep the Grindleton sessions running until Christmas.
For those who attend, the classes offer much more than an opportunity to get moving. They provide a welcoming space to build confidence, improve movement and wellbeing, make friends and enjoy time with others who understand the challenges of living with a neurological condition.
The sessions also help tackle isolation, giving participants something positive to look forward to each week.
Jackie’s fundraising has provided a welcome lifeline, but the group is still looking for support to ensure the classes can continue beyond Christmas.
Organisers have expressed their gratitude to Jackie for taking on the challenge to help a group that means so much to her and Michael.
Anyone who would like to help keep the classes going can donate through the group’s JustGiving page.
For more information about the Neuro-Moves sessions, contact organiser Filomena Ianni at [email protected] or on 07972 170006.