A MAN with Parkinson’s disease is setting up a new bingo night to raise money to start a support group in Braintree.
John Lieberman has set out to prove what can be done rather than what cannot while combating the disease.
The 53-year-old will follow in the footsteps of his mother, Beryl, who was a fellow bingo caller in Braintree until she sadly died.
Mr Lieberman was first diagnosed aged 44 but his consultant thought he had probably been struggling with the disease for about ten years previously.
He said: “I have done a couple of fundraisers for Parkinson’s UK since being diagnosed, and my son also raised more than a thousand pounds three years ago at the age of 13.
“With the kind help of the owners at Jardins, on East Street, Braintree, I am starting a bingo night.
“I was going to donate the profits to Parkinson’s UK directly, but I am going to start up a club for Parkinson’s sufferers of all ages instead.
“Our area does not have enough support and information for people like me.
“I was a member of an Epping based group which was so informative.
“We all learnt from each over about treatments, care benefits and pure friendship and understanding.
“If I can emulate the Epping club in Braintree, so many sufferers will benefit.”
Mr Lieberman said bingo always brings back great memories for him.
He said: “My late mother was the finest bingo caller in Essex, working as a caller for Braintree Odeon.
“My mother used to take me to bingo in the same hall.
“In 1978 it was called Lake and Elliot’s Social Club and every Sunday more than 100 people would enjoy bingo from the hall. It was a fantastic place to be.”
Mr Lieberman said he wants the public to have fun and enjoy themselves.
He said: “At the age of 14 I had pink hair and all the old ladies used to fight to get on my table.
“If I can recreate the same great atmosphere, it would be fantastic.
“We are also doing a weekly raffle for a chance to play higher and lower.
The prize is £30 going up £10 every week if it is not won.
“We hope the the residents of the Braintree district will fully support our quest to help people like me with this extremely debilitating disease.”
A spokesman from Jardins said they were delighted to hold the event.
They said: “John is a very caring and kind person and it is great he is doing this.
“We think it is a great thing to do for the community and we can’t wait to start.”
Mr Lieberman was due to host his first night last night from 8pm and then every Wednesday.
http://www.clactonandfrintongazette.co.uk/news/north_essex_news/15622026.Caller_with_Parkinson___s_disease_to_start_group/
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