How Land Rover Exerience helped three people with Parkinson's disease get to see the view from the Malverns

August 19, 2016

John Redmond and his wife Carol

THREE people with Parkinson's disease were given a trip to the top of the Worcestershire Beacon thanks to a new access partnership.

John Redmond, Harry Cutler and Graham Bruce are members of the Parkinson’s Disease Communication Group at Malvern-based charity ARCOS and because of their condition, have not been able to climb the hills for some time.

Harry Cutler and his wife Barbara

But thanks to the Malvern Hills Access Partnership, created earlier this year, the trio, along with their wives, were able to once again to enjoy the views from the summit, stretching from the Cotswolds to the Welsh mountains

Graham Bruce and Clare Grennan

The partnership was formed by the Rotary Club of Malvern, Malvern Hills Conservators, the Land Rover Experience, Eastnor, and Cafe H2O at the Wyche Innovation Centre.

They were driven up to the top of the Beacon by Simon Millest, a senior instructor at the Land Rover Experience, where they were greeted by Bruce Bannister-Harding, former president of Malvern Rotary.

Therapist Clare Grennan, who accompanied them on the ascent, said: “The access partnership makes it possible for disabled people to enjoy the Malvern Hills, something that most of us take for granted.

"It is an excellent illustration of the way that industry, local government and charities can work together to great effect. Parkinson’s disease, like other long-term neurological conditions isolates individuals and often their families too. This is why working together is so important and rewarding."

John Redmond

Mr Redmond said: "I have not been up there in years and I thought I’d never get up there again to enjoy the view.”

http://www.malverngazette.co.uk/news/14693549.How_three_people_with_Parkinson_s_disease_got_to_see_the_view_from_the_Malverns/