Step Up for Parkinson’s, a voluntary organisation, hosted its first annual fundraising gala at the Corinthia Hotel in Attard. The aim of the event was to create awareness about the disease,  about Step Up for Parkinson’s and the Malta Parkinson’s Disease Association (MPDA).

The evening was attended by nearly 180 people. This included the Dutch Ambassador, Joop Nijssen, who opened the event with a welcoming speech – underlining the pride he took both in being asked to attend this event and to support Step Up for Parkinson’s in its aim to reach as many people as possible suffering from the disease.

The founder herself, Natalie Muschamp, pointed out that this was primarily a celebration,  with the first-ever performance of the Parkinson’s patients themselves, as well as a celebration of where the association stands and what it has achieved in such a short time.

Professor Russell Smith praised the determination Ms Muschamp has shown to reach her aim: integrating dance lessons in national healthcare.

The performance of the participants, dancing to Singing in the Rain and Dancing Queen, left many of the guests positively overwhelmed. Both the Ambassador and Prof. Smith emphasised the fact that the evening was a celebration first and foremost, and that Parkinson’s patients and their carers were the protagonists of the night.

The evening commenced with a ballet performance by The School of Dance, followed by an auction led by Richard Powell. The evening ended with Pierre Cordina who got everyone dancing.

MPDA has supported Step Up for Parkinson’s from the very start, therefore proceeds from the event will be shared with the MPDA.