Beech Band for people with Parkinson's

My hopeful story this month is more personal. Twelve years ago, our family—together with my in-laws, Paul and Joan—sold up and bought a house together so we could all be involved in the care of my father-in-law, Paul. He has lived with Parkinson's disease for over 30 years and is now in his last hours or days. This month, my hopeful story is about someone I’ve met a few times, Carl Beech, who was also diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s. Carl and his team have developed a device called the Beech Band, after discovering that rhythmic tapping helped calm his speech and other symptoms. Today, with the backing of Parkinson’s UK, the Beech Band is making a positive difference to many people living with Parkinson’s and other conditions. So today, I raise a glass to my superhero father-in-law, Paul Welti, and to all those who care for and support people with Parkinson’s. I also cheer on innovators, researchers, and people like Carl—who, with his team, are creating affordable solutions with the potential to benefit millions of lives worldwide.