David Ruffley MP has today called on residents across Suffolk to do their bit to promote Parkinson's Awareness Week which runs from 20- 26 April 2009.

Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition affecting movements such as walking, talking, and writing. It is named after Dr James Parkinson, the London doctor who first identified Parkinson's as a specific condition.

David said:

'This week is Parkinson's Awareness Week and it is important that all of us in Suffolk do our bit to raise awareness of the condition.

'One in 500 people suffers from Parkinson's and one in 20 of those diagnosed each year will be aged under 40 years old. Statistically, it is men who are more likely to develop the condition.

'Since 1969 the Parkinson's Disease Society has invested over £40million in crucial research. It is thanks to this work that breakthroughs have been made that make a real difference to people living with Parkinson's in Suffolk. I am sure that everyone in our county joins me in applauding their efforts.'