Highlights of 2010 - our first year as Parkinson's UK

What a year 2010 has been – especially with the launch of our 6 goals for 2010-2014, as well as our transformation to Parkinson's UK in April.

We've had a great response to our new vision and identity. Many more people have engaged with us as a result. This is just one way we're striving to achieve our 1st goal: no one has to face Parkinson's alone.

Image right: TV presenter John Stapleton, one of our celebrity supporters

Our 2nd goal is: we will listen and respond to the needs of everyone affected by Parkinson's.

This year our helpline 0808 800 0303 has been awarded the Helplines Association's accreditation.

And we've achieved the Department of Health's Information Standard for our publications and resources. Both these awards are an important part of our work to make our information and advice accessible for everyone.

2010 also saw Parkinson's UK play a key role in some major projects, which have helped us to continue to achieve the 3rd of our goals: we will improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's.

We were a major partner in the hugely successful second World Parkinson Congress in Glasgow.

Researchers, healthcare professionals and people affected by Parkinson's came together for 3 days to create a global movement for change for people with Parkinson's.

Image: Bob Taylor, one of our members, playing on the Nintendo Wii at the World Parkinson Congress

The congress, the launch of our research strategy and our successful York research conference demonstrated our leadership in the research community. These highlighted our work towards our 4th goal: our research will have resulted in better treatments and progress towards a cure. Read more about 2010 Parkinson's research achievements - celebrating an exciting year in Parkinson's research.

This year also marked the start of research into the benefits of the Nintendo Wii for people with Parkinson's. Oscar-winning actress and face of the Wii, Helen Mirren, spoke to The Guardian and ITV's Daybreak about her support for our Fair Care for Parkinson's campaign.

And Karen Rose, a member of our Bristol Branch, starred in Nintendo's TV adverts talking about how using the Wii helps her manage her Parkinson's.

2010 has also been our best ever year for fundraising, thanks to all of our dedicated supporters. This is a big step towards us reaching our fundraising target of £110million by 2014: goal 5.

Image right: Our Bexley and Dartford Branch manning their information and fundraising stand

These are just a few successes from 2010, all of which contribute to helping us achieve our 6th goal: to be a united, focused and effective organisation.

None of this would be possible without the hard work of our dedicated supporters, volunteers and staff.

What were your highlights from 2010? Tell us your goals for 2011 – what do you want to achieve next year?

We wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.