A Smethwick man has raised over £4,000 for Parkinson’s UK through sales of his book.
Mark Lanyon, 58, from Bearwood, donated his June and July earnings from the Amazon sales of ‘Who Stole Grandma?’ – the story of his time with his mum Geraldine after learning she had Parkinson’s. He is also fundraising for the charity on his JustGiving page.
He held a book celebration at his local bookshop in Bearwood to mark his fundraising success.
Mark said: “Seeing ‘Who Stole Grandma?’ adding a small amount to Parkinson’s UK’s fundraising in memory of mum is a joy.
“I’m sure she would have been delighted and would want others to know about the incredibly supportive work that Parkinson’s UK does. She would also be delighted that our story is resonating with people and offering optimism.
“The night was so special. Sharing chapters of my book face-to-face was a slightly nervy, but truly heartwarming experience. Listening to representatives from Parkinson’s UK was really inspiring and brought home to people why I wanted to use the book to raise awareness and raise funds.”
Gayle Kelly, Regional Fundraiser for Birmingham and the Black Country at Parkinson’s UK, said:
“The book celebration was a wonderful evening and a lovely way to thank people for buying the book and to raise further awareness. Mark has worked tirelessly to raise such an incredible amount for Parkinson’s UK and every penny helps us drive forward promising research to develop new treatments, as well as make sure that anyone affected by Parkinson’s has the information and support they need, when they need it.
“It really is a fantastic and heartfelt book and I would heartily recommend it – I absolutely loved reading it.”
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. In the UK, there are around 145,000 people already living with Parkinson’s, including approximately 12,329 in the West Midlands.
Parkinson’s UK is the largest charitable funder of Parkinson’s research in Europe, leading the way to better treatments and a cure.
To donate to Mark’s fundraising, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wsg4puk
To purchase ‘Who Stole Grandma?’, visit: https://marklanyonstoryteller.com/2021/10/14/wsg-free-for-120-hours-for-parkinsons-uk