We are delighted to confirm Parkinson’s UK as one of our two chosen charities for 2026. And we would like to thank Sharron Tiffany, our Finance Assistant, who has shared her story about why Parkinson’s is very personal for her.

Sharron’s Story

Last year my mum had been struggling for a few months.  She had always been fit and healthy and never seemed to tire when we were out and about together, but the first sign we noticed was that her walking had slowed down considerably.  This got worse over time and occasionally she also adapted a kind of shuffle walk, but would also gain momentum as if her legs were running away with her and make her unsteady on her feet.  This made me fearful that she was going to fall, which unfortunately she did once, but luckily was not hurt.

We went to the Doctors, who then referred my mum to a Neurologist. There was a 9-month waiting list on the NHS, and we were given the option to go private which we did. In August 2025 the Consultant diagnosed my mum with Parkinson’s.

She was prescribed medication and she had a follow up appointment in November 2025, which confirmed that the medication is working as it should and that the dosage is correct.

How has Parkinson’s affected your mum?

I think my mum feels frustrated at times as it has really slowed her down, especially doing everyday tasks. I think it has also affected her confidence too as she’s always been so independent. However, having said that, she does seem to take it in her stride.

Symptoms will worsen over time unfortunately, and there is no cure, but with the right medication I hope it will be manageable.

How has it affected you?

My mum does require more help, but between my brothers and I we do as much as possible.  At the minute I call round each day to help her out, however we are looking to make some adaptations in her home to help her out so she can be more independent, and this will allow us to not be as hands on.

Why would you like to raise money for Parkinson’s UK?

I would like to try and raise awareness for Parkinson’s – I didn’t know much about it before my mum’s diagnosis.  I thought the main symptoms were tremors, I didn’t realise it could affect as many things as it does.

Parkinson’s UK are committed to helping find a cure, but that isn’t all they are working for. They want to make a difference right now. It would be great to raise funds to enable further research to help work towards better treatments and a cure, and to help fund support services like Parkinson’s nurses who are specialised in this field.

JTM Service’s chosen charities for 2026

Each year we choose a charity to support at JTM Service, and this year we have chosen 2 – Parkinson’s UK and Newark Women’s Aid. Both these charities for amazing and important work, and we are proud to support them both.

During 2026 we will be fundraising for these 2 charities, and Sharron and others members of the JTM Service team will be taking part in the Lyke Wake Walk. This is an epic, 40 mile hike across the North Yorkshire Moors, starting at 10pm on Friday 21 August and walking through the night. It is a tough endurance challenge, but it is one we’re proud to take on for 2 incredible causes.

If you would like to help our fundraising, you can sponsor us at https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/13848/jtm-service-lyke-wake-walk-40-mile-overnight-trek-/

#JTMService #ParkinsonsUK #Charity #LykeWakeWalk