Raise your glass to ‘Parkies’ – the new beer that’s raising funds for nurses

Ex-Pink Floyd tour manager creates special brew to help raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s

Rock band tour manager and father of three, Alan Comer, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 42 years old, forcing him to eventually quit his job.

Almost 15 years and a deep brain stimulation operation later, Alan from Crosby, near Liverpool in the UK, is realising one of his passions: to launch his own beer – and raise money for Parkinson’s in the process.

Specially brewed by The Sperrin Brewery in Warwickshire, the beer is called ‘Parkies’ – in honour of people with Parkinson’s – and is being sold at The Crows Nest, a pub in his hometown. For every pint sold, 25p will be donated directly to Parkinson’s UK – one of the country’s largest Parkinson’s charities – to help nurses.

Alan, who has worked with rock stars such as Pink Floyd, Phil Collins and Van Morrison, told the Liverpool Echo newspaper: “I thought it was a great idea. It’s a unique way of raising money and awareness for Parkinson’s and it’s also indulged my passion for real ale.”

Alan wants to repay the nurses for all the help they provided during his battle with the disease and hopes to raise £15,000.

“The nurses have been such a help to me and there are not enough of them,” Alan added.

Update: At the launch, Alan pulled the first pint for his friends and family, raising £1,376 on the night!

You can sponsor Alan in his beer fundraising quest here