NEWS: Parkinson’s Europe welcomes new board members

As reported by NHE, Parkinson’s Europe announces four new board members, bringing expertise from across the continent to strengthen its leadership team

The four new board members, who were elected by the general assembly for a one-year observership, take the total number up to 11.

They include:

• Claire Bale, associate director of research at Parkinson’s UK
• Elisabeth Ildal, founder at Denmark’s Cure4Parkinson’s
• Cathy Molohan, international relations manager at Germany’s Yuvedo Foundation
• Janette Sinclair, co-founder at Belgium’s Action Parkinson

“On behalf of Parkinson’s Europe, I would like to thank our new Board members for taking the plunge and devoting their time and expertise to support not only Parkinson’s Europe but in particular people with Parkinson’s,” said the organisation’s director general, Russell Patten.

“The new members bring a wealth of experience and expertise which Parkinson’s Europe needs to take our organisation forward at a time when there is so much to do.”

Claire Bale represents only the second member from the UK to join Parkinson’s Europe’s board, after Andy Butler.

Bale has worked at Parkinson’s UK — a member organisation of Parkinson’s Europe — for the last 16 years after an education spanning the commonwealth.

Parkinson’s UK recently helped to fund a ground-breaking piece of research at University College London, which saw the development of a new blood test that can accurately predict the disease as many as seven years prior to symptoms arising.

Patten also announced the departure of board member, Tsipi Shaish of the Israel Parkinson Association, who is stepping down.

“Tsipi has been an incredible and active advocate for Parkinson’s Europe and we will miss her very much,” he said.

“I know she will continue to be active in Parkinson’s Europe, and we all look forward to continuing to work with her and the Israel Parkinson Association.”