Every step counts: 2,000 people to take part in Unity Walk across Finland

The Finnish Parkinson Association has organised a Unity Walk in aid of Parkinson’s

The Finland Unity Walk will take place on 24 September 2016 and is organised by Suomen Parkinson-liitto ry (the Finnish Parkinson Association).

The walk is called ‘Kelpo Polku’ – meaning ‘Good Path’ – and will be held in 31 different places across Finland. The main event will happen in the centre of Helsinki. People with Parkinson’s and their families, healthcare professionals and policymakers are welcome to join the Unity Walk.

The President of the Republic of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, will support the Unity Walk, and member of Parliament, Sari Sarkomaa, will open the main event in Helsinki.

The Finnish Parkinson Association wants to highlight the need to have the right treatment at the right time with the right amount of resources for people with Parkinson’s

Hanna Mattila, executive director of the Finnish Parkinson Association, said: “We aim to increase the knowledge of Parkinson’s disease among the decision-makers.

“In 31 different places around Finland, we hope to reach 2000 participants; members and their carers, decision-makers, personal of healthcare”

Mattila added, “We are also hoping that people with Parkinson’s receive better services, care and rehabilitation. In Finland there is going to be huge reform of health, social services and regional government. So it’s very important that we promote the interests of our members.”