We were thrilled to hear that John Minhinick who Chairs the @ParkinsonsUK Fife Branch has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours List.

John was nominated for outstanding service to the #Parkinsons community in Fife and beyond, His award reflects 8 years of chairing the Fife Branch, and building an impressive and well-attended programme of activities and opportunities for local people.

In that time, he has also been a wise and vocal champion for people with Parkinson’s and their families, as well as for the charity’s volunteers in Scotland and across the UK. He also guided the group through the Covid-19 pandemic, determined that people with Parkinson’s in Fife would not be left isolated in lockdown. He led the group through an ambitious switch to online events, and a programme of support to enable people to gain the digital skills needed to take part virtually wherever possible.

We’re delighted that former Glenrothes MP Lindsay Roy and others from the group joined forces to recognise John’s efforts and nominate him for this award. We know that John’s late wife, Sheila, whose Parkinson’s diagnosis brought them both to the Fife Branch would have been very proud.