On the eve of International Volunteer Day on Thursday 5 December, Doubleview residents Jan Knight and Peter Wilmot have won an award for their tireless voluntary work from Parkinson’s WA.
Ms Knight and Mr Wilmot have been bestowed the Community Spirited Award for their commitment to supporting West Australians living with the progressive neurological condition, by running the Western Suburbs Support Group.
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1999, Ms Knight joined Parkinson’s WA only a few months later, and credits the organisation for supporting her and enabling her to maintain a sense of control since her Parkinson’s diagnosis.
“There are so many wonderful volunteers who support Parkinson’s WA that it was a great honour to be recognised with this award,” says Ms Knight, who immigrated to Perth in 1963 from California.
“Peter and I are very happy to help run the Western Suburbs Support group, which meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Parkinson’s WA has supported both myself and my partner and carer Peter enormously, and we are very happy to contribute back to the organisation.”
Parkinson’s WA CEO, Brenda Matthews, says Parkinson’s WA was hugely grateful for volunteers, like Ms Knight and Mr Wilmot.
“We are incredibly fortunate to Jan and Peter who have shown so much dedication and devotion to our organisation over many years,” Ms Matthews says.
“They both have a willingness to go the extra mile to help others during the group meetings, and they also always give personal support to those who need it.
“Their selfless readiness to put time and energy into new ideas and their ability to show great empathy to others in their local support group is hugely appreciated.
“Volunteers strengthen our organisation and help us to do more, and we are incredibly grateful to Jan and Peter, and indeed all of our dedicated volunteers on International Volunteer Day, and of course throughout the year.”
Founded in 1984, Parkinson’s WA is the peak body and not-for-profit organisation that represents more than 20,000 Western Australian’s affected by Parkinson’s, their families and carers, clinicians and researchers.The organisation offers a Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist Service and a variety of Support Networks for people with Parkinson’s and their family carers, as well as educational resources and training for allied health professionals
