Cakes and clothes raise funds for Parkinson’s

The cake trays at Martin and Teresa Lynch’s house were empty by the end of a fundraising day that drew a large turnout, and featured lively conversations, as well as a rise in local awareness.

The bake sale and clothes recycling collection on Saturday week last, August 23, at Dardistown, Delvin was organised by Martin and Teresa and family, in support of Move 4 Parkinson’s, a non-profit organisation that helps people who live with the condition.

The fundraiser was organised by community volunteer Teresa McCann, who has held many Dardistown bring and buy sales over the last 12 years. She was inspired by a promise made to a friend, John Ayres, who lives with Parkinson’s disease.

"I said a while ago that I’d do a bake sale for John," she said. "Over the years, I’ve organised sales for different causes, including the hospice, and we’ve raised more than €60,000. I had retired from it, but when this came up, I knew I had to do one more."

This year’s event had a combination of a mix of homemade baked goods made by friends of Teresa, a recycled clothing drive and a raffle at the end of the day.

Her sisters, close friends, and what she fondly calls her "partner in crime" all pitched in. "It’s always been a family thing," she said. "Everyone gets involved, it’s like a social event here."

Funds raised went to Move 4 Parkinson’s, a group that provides fitness, speech therapy, choir programme and more for people affected by the disease.

John Ayres, a member of the Move 4 Parkinson’s group in Mullingar, explained it to the Westmeath Examiner: "Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect movement – you can lose your voice, and that’s very isolating. That’s why we have choirs, physiotherapy sessions, and support groups. It helps people stay connected and active."

John, who was diagnosed seven years ago, described the daily challenges of living with the condition. "It’s hard work," he said. "You must take your medication on time, eat properly, do your physio, and keep your voice strong. On bad days, it feels like you’ve got every symptom at once."

Despite the difficulties, he stressed the importance of staying positive and active. "It’s so easy to give up, but I play pickleball, I sing with the choir, I keep busy. You have to accept you have it and then put in the work to manage it."

The organisers hope the event will raise both funds and awareness. They are encouraging more people to get involved, whether by donating or even joining the choir.

"You don’t have to have Parkinson’s to join, the support helps," said John. "You don’t even have to be able to sing, I’m proof of that. What matters is being part of it."