The initiative is being organised by the Glen Innes support group, who occasionally gets a car-load of Tenterfield people to their monthly meetings.

Group member Colin Price said the support group was already well-established when he was diagnosed 10 years ago.

He said the group can be an asset for those with the disease and their carers and relatives, not only to receive support but to share their experiences. He said the scope of those afflicted can range from those who are suffering badly to those who have been diagnosed but are coping well.

“It’s a terribly individual disease,” he said.

“Some are profoundly affected and some only marginally, who with medication lead normal lives.”

He is affected only on the back of one arm and the back of one leg, but said the disease would likely have progressed over the past decade without medication.

“It’s a bit erratic and can fluctuate throughout the day as dopamine (his treatment) can’t be stored in the body.”

He said people seek treatment through a number of doctors and the support group is a good forum to exchange experiences and ideas, and to see what other people have found effective.

“It also builds a bit of confidence, seeing that you are not on your own,” Mr Price said.

“You may see people worse than you but who are coping well, and maybe the opposite.”

The Glen Innes support group has around 20 members of whom 8-10 are ‘Parkies’. They are hoping to help establish a similar facility in Tenterfield or alternatively invite people down to their meetings, or possibly even alternate meetings between the two locations.

For more information contact Mr Price on (02) 6733 6777, particularly to register your interest if you can’t make the meeting.