Crafters to raise charity funds in Thatcham
Pineapple Palace holding event for Parkinson's UK
A GROUP of local craftspeople and artists in Thatcham will be hosting a fundraising weekend for charity.
Pineapple Palace, located at Lower Way Farm, is a shop and café supported and stocked by a number of local artists.
The crafters will be holding a summer market featuring craft demonstrations, music, food, children’s activities, raffle prizes and more than 50 craft and arts stalls exhibiting from Friday, June 17, to Sunday, June 19.
Money raised will be donated to Parkinson’s UK, a personal cause for one of the artists.
Sophie Callaway owns Sophie Waite Ceramics, and has a studio at Lower Way Farm, next to Pineapple Palace.
Miss Callaway said: “Eleven years ago my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
“At the time I had little knowledge of what that meant, but over time we have discovered it is a cruel condition that affects different people in different ways and the severity can vary from day to day.
“My dad started with a tremor and now has many more symptoms such as slowness of movement, fatigue, rigidity and restless leg syndrome.
“He belongs to the local Parkinson’s UK Newbury group and Newbury Sparkies and I know he and my mum enjoy the support and friendship this group provides as well as taking part in the exercise classes, voice coaching and sessions at the Therapy Centre that the group offer.
“In April, our whole family took part in the Walk for Parkinson’s – Welford Park.
“It was a great day and it felt amazing to help raise awareness of this progressive condition. I am delighted that I can have the opportunity to support Parkinson’s UK again, along with the MS Therapy Centre, at the Pineapple Palace Summer Market.”
Director of fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, Paul Jackson-Clark, said: “I’d like to wish Sophie and the Pineapple Palace team the very best of luck with their fundraising weekend.
“I hope local people will join them for what promises to be a fantastic weekend with something for everyone.
“As the UK’s Parkinson’s support and research charity we’re leading the work to find a cure, and we’re closer than ever. But our work is dependent on donations.”
To find out more about fundraising for Parkinson’s UK visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraise or email fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk
