A WOMAN from Hampshire has provided over a decade's worth of support for a charity supporting people with neurodegenerative conditions.
Sally Reynolds, 73, began volunteering for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) charity, PSPA, in 2013 after her husband Ted was diagnosed with PSP.
The couple were initially introduced to the charity through their Parkinson’s nurse, who referred them to the PSPA Hampshire Support Group.
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Impressed by the assistance she received, Mrs Reynolds decided to give back to the community.
She said: "Following two years of investigations, Ted was finally diagnosed with PSP in 2011.
"The local Parkinson’s nurse referred us to the PSPA Hampshire Group, which really made a big difference to our lives, providing us with a lot of support and friendship."
Mrs Reynolds hosts monthly meetings both online and at the village hall in Wherwell.
Her main responsibilities include welcoming attendees, preparing refreshments, and chatting with members to both offer comfort and increase awareness about the available assistance.
Mrs Reynolds' commitment to supporting those grappling with PSP and CBD led her to take up additional volunteering duties as a PSPA Link Volunteer in 2023.
In the role, she provides direct support to people coming to terms with a diagnosis, offering up to 12 face-to-face visits and phone calls.
Mrs Reynolds, from Winchester, said: "When I saw PSPA were recruiting for Link Volunteers, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for me to extend my support using my experience of caring for Ted and being a former social worker".
She added: "I really enjoy both of my volunteering roles, and I think they compliment each other.
"The biggest rewards I get from the role is giving back the understanding and support I received.
"I also feel I can help current carers see there is life after PSP & CBD."
Mrs Reynolds is part of an ensemble of over 200 dedicated volunteers who assist PSPA in delivering crucial support, information, and raising awareness across the UK.
Anyone interested in the PSPA's work or looking to volunteer can find more information on the charity’s website: www.pspassociation.org.uk.
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