CAMPAIGNER Trevor Binks is joining top scientists and healthcare workers at an international conference about Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s sufferer Mr Binks, 65, of Crossways, will be among the delegates at the four-day World Parkinson's Congress in Glasgow this week.

Mr Binks, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 18 months ago, was one of a handful of people nationwide who won a ticket through the national charity Parkinson’s UK.

He said: “I was absolutely over the moon when I found out I was chosen.

“I’ve only been diagnosed for 18 months, so the World Parkinson’s Congress is a real chance to hear about other people’s experiences of the condition.

“Parkinson’s research is something that particularly interests me.

“Any research that could lead to a cure, or even just alleviate the symptoms of the condition would be a giant leap forward, so I’m really excited to hear more at the various workshops and seminars.”

It is the first time the World Parkinson Congress (WPC) has come to the UK.

Delegates will learn about treatments, alternative to drugs, neuroprotection and gene therapy during the conference from September 28 to October 1.

Retired Mr Binks, who is a member of the Parkinson’s UK Dorchester and Weymouth branch group, found out about the WPC through Parkinson’s UK’s magazine.

Exercise group leader Amanda Fogg, treasurer Mark Vagg and his wife Linda, from the Weymouth and Dorchester branch will also attend.

Mr Binks encouraged other sufferers to get involved with the support group.

He said: “It’s too easy for you to find yourself within your own square walls when you have Parkinson’s.

“The Dorchester and Weymouth group gives you a reason to get out.

“Sometimes we will talk about Parkinson’s but more often than not it’s just a social thing.

“If there are Parkinson’s sufferers who are not in contact with the group they should contact our secretary Trevor Martin.

“I’d encourage others to get involved because it has made a different to my life. It’s built up a social as well as support network.”

The Dorchester and Weymouth branch meets every second Monday of the month in Weymouth and every fourth Friday of the month in Dorchester.

Contact the secretary Trevor Martin on 01305 813584.