An Isle of Wight man whose wife was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 3 years ago has been appointed Chairman of the Island’s Parkinson’s support group, bringing decades of business and charity experience to the role.
Alastair Gornall has taken over as Chairman of the Parkinson’s IOW Support Group, which provides support to people living with the condition and their families across the Isle of Wight.
With more than 600 Parkinson’s patients on the Island, the group is hoping to expand its reach and the support it offers to the local community.
Alastair, who lives on the Isle of Wight, has spent much of his career building 2 award-winning public relations, marketing and public affairs agencies.
He has also served as Chief Executive Officer of Reed Exhibitions Ltd and is currently a non-executive director of 3 media companies.
His charitable experience includes previously serving as Chairman of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Vice Chairman and Trustee of SSAFA, the armed forces charity.
However, his appointment also comes with a deeply personal connection to Parkinson’s, following his wife’s diagnosis 3 years ago.
Alastair Gornall, newly appointed Chairman, has said:
“Parkinsons in the most awful disease and we have over 600 patients on the IOW alone who all need help and support from family, friends and community.
“I am delighted to joining the amazing Parkinson’s IOW Support Gorup and to do all that I can to help those in our Island communities who need us.”
The appointment has been welcomed by the group’s existing leadership, who hope Alastair’s experience will help strengthen its work and reach more people affected by Parkinson’s.
Alan White, Acting Chairman and Treasurer, has said:
“We are thrilled to have Alastair join our passionate team and look forward to using his experience to help us reach even more Parkinson’s patients and their families and to over time grow the breadth and depth of our offering to IOW Parkinson’s community.”
The group hopes to build on its existing work, broadening the support available to Parkinson’s patients and their families across the Isle of Wight.
