John Minhinick, chair of the Parkinson’s UK Fife branch, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year Honours.

John, of Aberdour, was nominated for the award by members of the branch led by former Glenrothes MP and branch member, Lindsay Roy CBE. 

The BEM is typically awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional achievements in providing a “hands-on” service to the community in a local geographical area.

John became chair of the Fife branch eight years ago, shortly after his late wife Sheila was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and they joined the group. Under his leadership, the branch has thrived - providing friendship and support to hundreds of people with Parkinson’s and their families. 

John said: “I am honoured to have received the British Empire Medal. This award recognises the work of an outstanding team that I have had the pleasure of leading for the past eight years."

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. About 950 people in Fife, and 13,000 people in Scotland, have Parkinson’s. The condition has about 40 recognised symptoms, which can affect every aspect of daily living and it gets worse over time. Everyone is affected differently, but the right care and support can make a huge difference to quality of life. 

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John’s award recognises his commitment to providing a wide range of therapeutic and social activities to benefit people with Parkinson’s and their families in Fife. The group runs a range of regular activities, from singing groups to bowling, walking, dance and social activities.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, John and his team were 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. 

John has also used his voice to champion people affected by Parkinson’s, and has been an active advocate for participation in Parkinson’s research and for providing the kind of Parkinson’s support that is available in Fife elsewhere in Scotland and the UK. 

James Jopling, director of Parkinson’s UK Scotland, said: “We are so thrilled for John that his contribution has been recognised in this way. The award is very well-deserved, and reflects his massive and sustained contribution to people with Parkinson’s Fife and beyond. 

“We are very lucky to have John as a volunteer. The Fife branch is one of over 40 volunteer-led local groups in Scotland, and is a fantastic example of the friendship and support that is available to help people to live as well as possible with Parkinson’s. John is also a powerful advocate for change and improvement both in his local area, and more broadly across Scotland and the UK. 

“Like so many of our dedicated volunteers, John’s achievements were born out of his experience of supporting someone with Parkinson’s. We know that Sheila, John’s wife of nearly 60 years, would have been very proud.” 

The Parkinson’s UK Fife Branch welcomes anyone affected by Parkinson’s to its activities and events. You can find out more at their website.