WASPS – Williton and Surroundings Parkinson’s Support group – is marking seven years since its formation.

Staring with just 17 members, the group has grown to almost 60, providing friendship, company and exercise, and meets at Williton Pavilion each month.

Williton has worked with a similar group in Burnham-on-Sea for the past four years to build up a respite fund with money from generous donations used to help support local people with Parkinson’s.

Exercise is important to the group and the space at the Pavilion means that teacher Jenny Mansell can encourage members to be as energetic at they wish.

Sadly, since the group was formed, it has lost 12 members – all good friends – but their partners can still attend meetings and enjoy the mutual support on hand.

On behalf of WASPS, Linda Bishop said: “When you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s you feel devastated. Coming together in a group is one way of fighting back and that is why the WASPS have stayed together for these past seven years.

“Having the support of the community and the many people who have contributed either financially or given their time to help us has been fantastic. We are so very lucky to have found friends who have helped us to succeed. Thank you and we hope to continue to do the best we can to help all people with Parkinson’s.”