THE outgoing chairperson of Malmesbury’s branch of Parkinson’s UK has been given a big thank-you by the group at their recent AGM.

On January 28 the group met in Malmesbury Town Hall to have their annual general meeting and celebrate the work of chairman of 13 years Sylvia Morgan.

Mrs Morgan’s work with the branch, which offers support and information for those with Parkinson’s and their carers, was praised by current membership secretary Carol Hinwood.

She said: “We really want to say what a wonderful chairperson she has been. She knew what it was like first-hand to look after someone with Parkinsons.”

“She has been the chair for 13 years after taking over from my father-in-law. She has really kept the branch running well."

Mrs Morgan said that it was quite an emotional event despite the fact that she will not be leaving the group.

She explained that she will be continuing her role in organising branch holidays for Parkinson's sufferers, which are paid for by the group's fundraising, but wished to hand over the reins to a new chairperson to organise the other ins and outs of the group's operation.

The group has been on holidays to the Isle of Man, Paignton and several other locations and will be heading to Norfolk this year.

Mrs Morgan thanked all those who helped make her surprise such a fun and friendly event and to the members of the group for organising cake, flowers and gardening vouches for her as a thank you for all of her work.

Mrs Morgan said: "I've loved it. It has been enormously rewarding and enormously fun."

"It was quite emotional as I didn't realise it was going to happen.

"They did a wonderful presentation with a picture, flowers and a gardening voucher.

"I ended up quite emotional. I just love them all to bits."

Mrs Morgan joined the group with her husband John, who died in December of last year after being diagnosed  with Parkinson's 20 years ago.

Malmesbury's branch of Parkinson's UK regularly attracts as many as 50 members and is open to anyone who needs support or information about dealing with Parkinsons, as either a sufferer or a carer.

For more information or to join the Malmesbury branch of Parkinson's UK visit http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/local-support-groups/regions/south-west-england/malmesbury-branch