Vital funds are being raised to support people living with Parkinson’s through the latest collaboration between retailer NEXT and Parkinson’s UK.
The high street store has launched a range of home accessories and clothing designed by renowned textile designer and illustrator Eleanor Bowmer.
The collection is based on the concept of ‘Let Love Shine’ and the designs have evolved from Eleanor’s current range, with her best-selling rainbow print featuring on a cushion.
This launch is an extension of the partnership between Parkinson’s UK and NEXT which began last year, and stems from a shared commitment to increase understanding of Parkinson’s as a ‘hidden disability’, alongside championing diversity and disability inclusion.
Previous collections have featured designs from Genna, a boyswear designer at NEXT who has also worked with Eleanor on her products, and international artist Alex Echo, have had their designs used for exclusive ranges. Both Genna and Alex are living with Parkinson’s.
A survey carried out by Parkinson’s UK in 2019 to tackle public misconceptions, found that nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of people had been told they were ‘too young’ to have Parkinson’s.
Eleanor Bowmer (right) with NEXT designer Genna
The condition, however, can affect people of all ages and in different ways. Not all people with Parkinson’s have tremors or slowness of movement, and many have ‘hard to spot’ or non-motor symptoms such as cognitive changes or mental health issues.
“I am so excited and proud to partner with NEXT and Parkinson’s UK to help get more people understanding Parkinson’s,” said Eleanor.
“A few of my employees have close connections with people with Parkinson’s.
“It’s a condition I’ve always been very aware of and I personally wanted to be able to do anything I could to support the charity.
“It’s fantastic that we’re able to raise awareness and it means so much that I’m able to do this with NEXT, delivering bright and fun products.
“I hope the designs will not only raise money for Parkinson’s UK but send a positive and uplifting message. ‘
“‘Let love shine’ radiates positivity and togetherness. It’s a message we can spread to open a conversation with people who aren’t familiar with the condition.
“I wanted to use rainbows in the range to highlight positivity and to make people feel good.
“I hope my collection encourages people with Parkinson’s to be expressive, authentic and have fun with arts and crafts.”
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. There are 145,000 people living with the condition in the UK and of those, 1,752 (1.2 per cent) are under the age of 50.
The proceeds from the range will directly fund Parkinson’s UK services and enable the charity to provide personalised support to people with Parkinson’s, their families, friends and carers. It will also fund a support programme for other younger people with Parkinson’s.
Lisa Gill, corporate partnerships manager at Parkinson’s UK, said:
“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with NEXT and announce the launch of Eleanor Bowmer’s exclusive collection. We’re really grateful that she has donated her designs and that NEXT has chosen to use them.
“We hope her art reaches many people and raises greater awareness and vital funds to provide services for people living with Parkinson’s so they, and their loved ones, get the support that they need.”
Children’s t-shirts, featuring ‘If Nothing Else Be Yourself’ and ‘LOVE’ slogans cost from £7, each while the adult t-shirts start from £16. The cushion costs £26. The items are available online. To shop the collection and support Parkinson’s UK, visit next.co.uk/shop/promotion-parkinsonsuk
