Volunteer John is 'Ultimate Local Hero for 2012'

One of our amazing volunteers, John Lange, from Stirling, was honoured as 'Ultimate Local Hero for 2012' and 'Charity Hero for 2012' by his local radio station, Central FM, last week.

John, 51, was diagnosed with Parkinson's 7 ago. He set up the Forth Valley Young Parkinson's Group a year ago and has been a tireless fundraiser and campaigner for Parkinson's UK.

John received his award at a special ceremony celebrating people who have contributed to make their local area a better place. 

But his nomination had been a surprise kept by his wife and close friends. He didn't know he was up for an award until his name was read out.

"I do what I do to help others with Parkinson's," said John.

"I've had great support from wife, kids and granddaughter, my brothers and sisters and others who don’t even know me. I am deeply honoured."

Volunteers' Week 2012 ends today, 7 June. It celebrated the fantastic contribution that millions of volunteers make across the UK.

In 1969, our charity was started by a group of volunteers and they are still at the heart of everything we do.

Find out about opportunities to volunteer or tell us your volunteering stories volunteering@parkinsons.org.uk