Parkinson’s UK has been awarded £250,000 from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity, with each of the 48 Metropolitan and Provincial Grand Lodges donating £5,000 to their local Parkinson’s UK branch.

Grand Charity chief executive Laura Chapman said, 'Many of our members have experience of what it is like to live with this condition. Parkinson's UK has therefore received much support within the masonic community - a key factor for why it was selected for this national grant. We are delighted to be able to direct our support to local branches via local lodges.'

Teresa Forgione, major gifts manager at Parkinson's UK, added: 'We are delighted that The Freemasons' Grand Charity is supporting our work. Our local groups run a wide range of activities for people affected by Parkinson's, including Pilates classes and education days.'

Parkinson’s UK is asking people to sign up to its mission to help find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by the condition. Go to parkinsons.org.uk/joinus for more information.