Jim Hilliard, 88, has been granted an honorary life membership by Parkinson’s UK
A charity stalwart has been recognised for years of hard work.
Jim Hilliard, from Calderwood in East Kilbride, has been granted an honorary life membership from Parkinson’s UK in recognition of his outstanding support for people affected by the condition across South Lanarkshire and the south side of Glasgow.
And Jim’s achievements will also be celebrated in the Scottish Parliament by his local MSP, deputy presiding officer Linda Fabiani.
The 88-year-old helped establish a Parkinson’s Support Group in East Kilbride and has been involved with the Lanarkshire and Glasgow south branch of Parkinson’s UK for more than 25 years. Jim became involved when his late wife Betty was diagnosed with the condition and after she died in 2001 he has continued to support the charity with enthusiasm and determination.
Catherine Grant, from the Lanarkshire and Glasgow south branch, said: “Jim has led the group in many new initiatives over the years. He is passionate that people living with Parkinson’s should have opportunities to get together, and has set up and run really successful drop in sessions and exercise classes across the group’s area.
“Jim might be 88 but you’d never know it – he really knows how to get things done and his warm friendly manner inspires others to support the group too. The branch holds Jim in the greatest regard and with real fondness and it’s wonderful to see him being honoured in this way.”
Fabiani is laying a motion before the Scottish Parliament that recognises Jim’s achievement and said: “Jim Hilliard is such an inspiration. He works tirelessly in support of local people with Parkinson’s, making sure that rights and entitlements are recognised, and that no-one need feel isolated because of their condition.”
Tanith Muller, parliamentary and campaign manager at Parkinson’s UK, added: “Jim continues to be a brilliant volunteer who does so much to promote the charity.
“He has tirelessly pushed for better services for people living with Parkinson’s across Lanarkshire and Glasgow South and his work was instrumental in getting a Parkinson’s nurse specialist appointed locally.
“He’s a tenacious fundraiser too – with his magnetic personality drawing support and donations everywhere he goes. He’s known as Jimmy two-cans for good reason – and there’s often a collection bucket at his feet too.”
