Every hour, two people in the UK are told they have Parkinson's - a brain condition that turns lives upside down, leaving a future full of uncertainty. 15 years ago this news came to our family, when our amazing husband and father, Professor Mark Easterby-Smith, was diagnosed with the condition. There is no cure for Parkinson's, only medication that can help alleviate some of the symptoms, but often making side effects worse. Watching Mark succumb to the physical and psychological effects of the disease, without any real means to help him, has been a slow and unbearable torture for everyone close to him. Sadly, Mark died from this cruel disease on 15 April 2020.

However, there has been one ray of light since Mark’s diagnosis - the incredible support we have received from charities such as Parkinson's UK. As a Distinguished Professor of Management Learning, he lent his academic skills to the charity in the first few years after his diagnosis, helping edit research papers, review grant applications and to finesse methodologies. He also joined the Lancaster & Morecambe Parkinson's Support Group, attending weekly meetings for over a decade, where he was able to build a network of fellow sufferers and keep on top of the latest developments in research.

All donations received will be split equally between Parkinson’s UK to support their vital research into alleviating and finding a cure for Parkinson’s, with the other half going straight to the Lancaster & Morecambe Support Group, so that they can continue to provide their incredible help to the local community.

To all those supporting us, both with donations and the many messages of love and comfort for Mark’s untimely death – thank you so much – you are amazing and we are more grateful than you will ever know!

Anna, Sam, Sarah and Sophie