Jenny Bower - Lead Volunteer (Finance)

After my retirement in 2022, and following Paul’s Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2018 (just two years after his own retirement), we joined the Eastbourne group in 2023. We immediately found the welcoming, vibrant community and support we both needed.

Keen to help the group continue its successful progression, I stepped into the Finance Lead role in April 2025, following Veronika’s resignation. I’m pleased to bring a long history of voluntary treasury experience to the team—from my early days managing the social club and bar accounts for the Electricity Board in Crawley, to my current work looking after the conservation society for our local pond in East Blatchington, Seaford. I’m delighted to use my background to help our group thrive.

Neville Beckhurst - Lead Volunteer

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020—though like many, the signs were lurking beforehand, and my wife actually spotted them before the experts confirmed it! This came just before my retirement, following a long career as a partner in a local Chartered Accountancy practice and as a Director with Giovanni Rana.

Having recently joined the Steering Group, I’m really looking forward to giving something back and collaborating with such an excellent team. While I don't have a specific role just yet, I’m eager to find my niche and see if I can keep up with everything they do!

To stay active, I’ve been practicing Pilates for over 25 years, which along with other exercises helps keep me moving. It’s certainly a bit different from my days playing rugby or cycling, but it’s all about adapting and keeping forward momentum.

Mark Church - Lead Volunteer

Diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s at 42 in 2019, my life has changed significantly, yet my quality of life remains high. A lifelong fitness enthusiast, PD is now my greatest motivator; I’ve even returned to table tennis with the dream of competing in the 2026 World Parkinson’s tournament!

While I face challenges like crippling dystonia and unexpected anxiety, I’ve found immense help through medication and CBT. Being an "open book," I’m passionate about bridging the gap in support for younger, working-age people. After co-founding a successful YOPD group elsewhere, I’ve moved to Eastbourne and am eager to build a similar community here—a space to share experiences and knowledge, both online and in person.

Gail Fenn - Lead Volunteer

Though a Northerner by birth, I’ve called the Sussex countryside home for over 30 years. My career in Environmental Health was never dull, spanning everything from food safety to my least favorite task: blocked drains. I eventually retired at 60, a year after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

To manage my symptoms, I stay active with walking, exercise classes and Tai Chi. Like many, I was initially hesitant to join a Parkinson’s support group, fearing I wasn't ready to see the "future" of the condition. However, joining Eastbourne’s wonderful Parkinson’s choir changed everything. The warm welcome made me feel "at home" immediately, leading me to attend group meetings and classes that have brought so many new friends into my life. My only regret is not joining sooner; the people I’ve met here are a true inspiration.

Veronika Lees - Lead Volunteer

In 2014, I joined the group with my husband Mick and our dog Holly, soon becoming Treasurer and eventually acting Chair to help revive our membership after the pandemic. Alongside the 100 Club, I’ve handled the admin for our Choir, Tai Chi, and Hydrotherapy.

Living with Parkinson’s for 22 years eventually led me to step down as Treasurer, passing the baton to Jenny Bower in early 2025. I’m far from gone, though! I’ve stayed on the Steering Group to represent our members, run the 100 Club, and organize the occasional lunch. With Mick and Hamish supporting me, I remain fully committed to our wonderful group.

Stephen MacKenzie - Lead Volunteer

After retiring in 2016, I wanted to give back to my local community. That journey led me first to the Parkinson’s Group Choir and then to the Eastbourne Group, where I recently stepped into a lead volunteer role.

You’ll find me helping out at our social events, supporting the tombola, or simply being around for anyone who needs a friendly chat or a listening ear. I love the wonderful camaraderie of this group—everyone truly supports everyone else. A practical person at heart, I'm always happy to lend a hand (when I'm not busy being a dog dad to Darlia and Barney!).

Karen Salt - Lead Volunteer (Membership and Bulletins)

After years working overseas, Richard and I moved to Eastbourne in 2016. I work in a busy, rewarding, non-clinical role within the NHS at Eastbourne District General Hospital.

Richard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2023 at age 61. It was a challenging time, but joining the Eastbourne Group provided an immediate sense of understanding and belonging. 

I joined the Steering Group in 2024, focusing on refreshing and maintaining our membership list and modernising our systems via Google Workspace. I also produce the monthly member newsletter. With the support of Parkinson’s UK South East colleagues we have seen a steady increase in new members and now have regular social group attendance of up to 45 members.

Veronica Stoner (Vee) - Lead Volunteer - (Speakers and Outings)

In 2016, my husband Allan and I were welcomed into the group after meeting Veronika Lees at an awareness event. 

I joined the Committee (now Steering Group) in 2016 and took on the role of Chair just as we were going into the pandemic.  I stepped down in early 2022 but have remained a lead volunteer, arranging our monthly speakers, outings, and "Newly Diagnosed" sessions. Recently, I organised a Parkinson’s Café to help members share their experiences. I continue to support the group and the Choir, hoping our journey can help others. This diagnosis is not the end; life is still very much worth living.

For 17 years, Allan lived with Parkinson’s, staying active through the group’s physical activities and our beloved Choir before passing away peacefully in early 2025.