We are saddened to learn that our lovely friend of the Branch Bill Wright died in the Western General on 23rd January 2024.
Bill had been an active volunteer for many years, was a valued member of the Committee and was instrumental in starting up the Quality of Life Group, with Alison Williams. They both recognised that People with Parkinson’s need a forum for PwPs, so they could be more open, honest and feel free to vent, in a private and secure space.
Bill and Alison Williams had a poster accepted and displayed at the World Parkinson’s Congress in 2017. The poster described the background to the Quality of Life Group, its philosophy, the benefits, and how it works.
That same year Bill, Alison and Ken Bowler has a paper accepted for publication: “Adventures with Parkinson’s: empowering Parkinson’s patients to become active partners in research and treatment”. The article reflected the Branch’s eagerness to encourage participation in clinical trials as well as in the training of health professionals.
Bill was one of a small team that ran the Self-Management Programme for Edinburgh, on behalf of Parkinson’s UK, until the programme ended in 2019.
These and other contributions have made Bill a huge asset to the Branch and we shall always be grateful for his commitment to Edinburgh Parkinson’s.
In Spring 2020, then Chair David Adams initiated a publication called Lines, Laughs and Lockdown. Bill rose to the challenge admirably and outlined his trip to America as a young man.
We have extracted all of the instalments and are proud to share again with you all: Bill Wrights Trip to America. It will give a fantastic sense of Bill, if you never met him. And for those who knew him, will be a lovely reminder of Bill and his sense of humour.
