A FUNDRAISING group set up to raise money for Parkinson’s UK by Julia Blunt, of Ramsbury, whose husband suffers from the disease, has almost doubled its target in a year.

Ramsbury Hill Parkinson’s UK was set up at the end of last year, with the intention of raising £10,000 but, 12 months on, the group has made around £21,000.

Mrs Blunt’s 80-year-old husband, Simon, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease about 13 years ago.

After experiencing its devastating affects she decided to start fundraising for the charity.

Mrs Blunt, 77, said: “My husband has got Parkinson’s so it’s something very close to our hearts. Now there are a lot of research projects going on and they’re very close to a breakthrough so we wanted to give what money we could to help find a cure.”

Mrs Blunt rallied a group of friends to start a committee and staged a slimathon.

In the last year Ramsbury resident Edward Hall took part in the Coeur Blanc Ski Challenge, village fireman John Marshall abseiled down Avon Gorge, and other events have included a bingo night and cream tea party.

The Ramsbury Horticultural Society also donated half of the money raised from their Open Gardens event and a quiz night at the Memorial Hall raised around £3,700.

Mrs Blunt said: “The group is informal and everybody have been extremely enthusiastic in offering their support.

“We have three events planned for next year so far.”

If you would like to get involved call 01672 520358.