A support group for people affected by Parkinson’s has received a £409k legacy gift from a Sutton resident.

Beryl Bradshaw, of Worcester Park, Sutton, who lived with Parkinson’s and died in April 2013, has left £409,000 to Parkinson’s UK.

Of the donation, £204,742 went to the Sutton, Kingston and Epsom branch to support people locally affected by Parkinson’s within these areas.

Large amounts of this legacy have been used to fund research into finding a cure, improved medication and financial assistance to people affected by Parkinson’s living in South London.

The legacy payment took nearly two years to reach the charity account due to a lengthy legal process.

Ms Bradshaw, who had been a member of the Sutton, Kingston and Epsom Parkinson’s UK branch, donated money on a regular basis since 1996 to Parkinson’s UK.

Beryl has been described as a highly intelligent lady who lived alone and was fiercely independent.

Branch Chairman, John Benn from Cheam, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Beryl, who was a dear friend to many in the group, for the generous donation.

“We want to ensure that we spend the funds in the right way to benefit as many people as possible in the local area but this won’t be possible without the help of volunteers.

“We already offer a range of activities, including research talks, social activities like cheese-making and sessions on mindfulness and laughter therapy.

“Beryl’s kind gift will enable us to expand the support we offer and to continue our work to improve the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s in the local area.”

For more information on volunteering with the branch, contact John Benn on jfwbenn@gmail.com or 020 8395 2068.