A LOCAL woman from Tunbridge Wells with a life-changing disease has joined a star-studded London fashion line-up to raise money for pioneering research.
Donna Marshall, 53, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017 is taking to the runway to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK.
On Tuesday May 16, Donna will be taking in the glitz and glamour as she joins ‘Catwalk to a Cure’ at London cabaret club, Proud Embankment.
The night will also star singer, Kele le Roc, comedian Jack Skipper, DJ Colin Francis and many more dance, magic and musical acts.
Parkinson’s affects around 145,000 people in the UK with most people having Idiopathic Parkinson’s, meaning there is no known cause. Parkinson’s can sometimes be hereditary or caused by genes.
Donna, who owns her own business and has a nine-year-old child, Beau, is the third woman in her family to be diagnosed with the disease and worries about her daughter’s future.
She said: “I’m terrified that Beau will inherit Parkinson’s from me. So I’m determined to help Parkinson’s UK find a cure so she can grow up in a world where no one has to suffer from this horrible condition the way me and my family have.”
Since her diagnosis, Donna has committed to fundraising for Parkinson’s UK, from running multiple marathons, and taking part in Catwalk to a Cure 2021.
“Catwalk to a Cure is a fabulous event, and I’m really excited to take part again this year.
“Since I last took part, my health has deteriorated quite rapidly, but I’m still determined to take part and have fun! It’ll be a great night, and I’d encourage everyone to come along!”
Tickets are available from £30. To purchase a ticket, or to find out more about the event, visit events.parkinsons.org.uk/event/catwalk-to-a-cure
