AN INSPIRATIONAL talk by the chairman of a Parkinson’s charity led to hundreds of pounds in donations for the cause.

John Kane, chair of the West Cumbria branch of Parkinson’s UK, spoke to staff at Whitehaven’s Tesco store.

The store’s community manager, Alison Hogge, said she was ‘so inspired’ by the talk that she wanted to ‘give something back’.

A fundraising day raised £615 for the cause.

Mr Kane himself has Parkinson’s. After being diagnosed in 2008 when he was 51, he turned the devastating news into motivation and is passionate about raising awareness of the condition.

Ms Hogge said: “As a local supermarket I thought it would be a good idea and support our community by educating colleagues about the disease and in the hope we can serve our shoppers better if we have a understanding of it.

“I was so inspired by John I wanted to give something back.”

Mr Kane said: “Heartfelt thanks from our local Parkinson’s branch to all Tesco’s staff, those who shop there. A true partnership business and the voluntary community working together to help give quality of life locally.”

The cash was presented to Mr Kane and his granddaughter Florence by Ms Hogge and store manager Phil O’Connell.

n The symptoms include shaking; facial paralysis, OCD and depression. Those suffering can call the national helpline on 0808 800 0303