Pictured at the recent cheque presentation to Parkinson’s UK are, from left, Kenneth McConaghy, The Woodville Arms Proprietor, Mike McKee, Event organiser and Emma McNeill, NI Community Fundraiser.
When you’re a music lover like Mike McKee from Lurgan, it makes sense to use your expertise and passion when organising a fundraising event with a twist.
For the last two years, Mike has done exactly that at the Woodville Arms, combining his love of Ska, Reggae, Northern Soul, Motown and 80s classics – all to host an Easter Monday charity night out.
The event is stapled in to be a permanent fixture every Easter and so far, Mike has raised £4,590 for Parkinson’s UK, a charity very close to his heart.
His dad, Jackie McKee, lived with Parkinson’s before he sadly passed away on May 5, 2021 and the age of 86.
Said Mike: “Running this event gives us all comfort and strength and keeps my dad’s memory alive through music. It also raises awareness around this brutal disease as well as giving family and friends a night out to catch up and enjoy themselves.
“The event really has been amazing over the past two years, and it’s become something of a reunion for old school friends too, some who haven’t seen each other for well over 30 years.
“Seeing the joy this event brings to such an array of people is just the best feeling and makes it all worthwhile alongside the chance to raise much-needed funds for this very important charity.”
Mike hopes that with the help of his fundraising, a cure can eventually be found for Parkinson’s.
“We just hope that the funds raised can help researchers find much needed medication to help people living with Parkinson’s have a much better quality of life, and ultimately help towards finding a cure.”
There are over 4,200 people living with Parkinson’s in Northern Ireland and Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. Parkinson’s UK is the largest charitable funder of Parkinson’s research in Europe, leading the way to better treatments and a cure.
Emma McNeill, NI Community Fundraiser at Parkinson’s UK in Northern Ireland, commented: “We are so grateful to Mike for choosing to support Parkinson’s UK.
“With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough.
“We hope that Mike’s fundraising challenge inspires others to fundraise with Parkinson’s UK. There are lots of ways for you to get involved and support us – from volunteering at an event, to campaigning for better services. Without the generosity of people like you, our work would not be possible.”
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