A SUTTON man is highlighting the importance of people with Parkinson's taking their medication on time.

David Riley plans to lobby hospitals and pharmacies to encourage them to get medication speedily to patients.

David has previously campaigned to raise awareness of Parkinson’s but has stepped up his efforts in the light of Covid-19.

He has regularly visited medical centres, doctors’ surgeries and care homes in Craven, with support from Airedale Hospital’s specialist Parkinson’s nurse Margaret Ormerod and Louise Smith from the Skipton and District branch of Parkinson’s UK.

During the visits the trio provide a wide range of information and support about Parkinson’s.

Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s 15 years ago, 75-year old David only retired in 2018 from the Czajka Care Group where he had worked since 1975.

Czajka is now sponsoring David’s efforts by providing banners and branded material to help promote the importance of taking medication on time.

David has recently completed a maximum six-year term as chairman of the Skipton and District branch of Parkinson’s UK and has stepped down to become vice-chairman.

David said: “For me, dealing with Parkinson’s has always been about staying busy and keeping my mind occupied.

“My work with Parkinson’s UK has helped with this, but as an organisation we still have a long way to go in educating people, and this is something I want to take to help tackle.

“Our initial workshops in medical centres and care homes was well-received before lockdown started. I’m now also speaking to several pharmacy chains, ranging from national chain Lloyds through to independents like Sutton Pharmacy, about providing information leaflets to people with Parkinson’s.

“One of the key things is the importance of always taking medication when it’s due. Medication can significantly improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s but taking it even slightly late can lead to major complications and causes unnecessary suffering.

“This is particularly important with coronavirus circulating, because people really need to look after themselves at the moment.

“The NHS is doing a marvellous job during the Covid-19 pandemic and working hard to beat it, but they also have lots of unsung heroes who support those with Parkinson’s.”

For further information about the campaign, call 07518 185481 or visit parkinsons.org.uk.