Charity Event In Aid Of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

On Tuesday I attended a charity event to raise money and awareness of the dreadful condition, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

PSP involves the progressive death of neurons (nerve endings) in the brain and over time PSP can rob a person of the ability to walk, talk, feed themselves or communicate effectively with the world around them, yet they usually remain mentally alert. The average life expectancy of a PSP sufferer is seven years.

The superb fundraising event took place in London on Tuesday 16 October. Lord Seb Coe who is now the Vice President of the PSP association explained at the event, in an interview with Michael Parkinson, the story of Brigadier Michael Koe, Founder and Life President of the PSP Association. Brigadier Koe's wife had tragically died from PSP and his four sons had decided to run the London Marathon to raise money to set up the PSP Association based in Towcester. Lord Coe told, how using the similarity of their names, Brigadier Koe had approached him during his time as a Member of Parliament to help publicise the run.

Following Brigadier Koe's approach Lord Coe remained involved and promoted the PSP Association's involvement each year in the London Marathon. In a cruel twist of irony, in the fourth year of his involvement, Lord Coe's own mother was diagnosed with PSP and as a result died.

Whilst there were many sad stories to listen to, the event was a huge success. Lord Coe had invited stars such as Daley Thompson and Steve Cram, as well as current Olympians. Emeli Sande sang a few songs to huge applause, and another famous guest, Sir Philip Green purchased a limited edition Mini Cooper during the auction, only to donate it back to the charity so it could be auctioned again! Over £200,000 was raised by Lord Archer as auctioneer, for an excellent cause.

I was absolutely delighted to be invited to the event by Christopher Kemball, Chairman of the PSP Association and Brigadier Michael Koe. Michael's determination to honour the memory of his beloved wife is truly touching. I am delighted to be a Patron of this charity and I am going to do all I can to raise this issue and the need for more research into this terrible condition during the coming months in Parliament.

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