A well-known advocate for people living with Parkinson's Disease has been recognised by the City of Mandurah through their Local Legend award.
Sue Edge, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2010, is a former schoolteacher and dedicates her time to supporting people in the community affected by the disease through a range of activities, art and fundraising opportunities.
Mayor Rhys Williams said Sue had made a huge and lasting impact on the community by offering her support, understanding and compassion over the past 13 years.
“Sue is a true hero. She is the epitome of resilience and strength in the face of her own daily challenges with Parkinson’s Disease,” Mayor Williams said.
“Sue’s positive outlook allows her to give a patient, listening ear to people trying to navigate and understand Parkinson’s.
“She has shown incredible leadership by organising many events, activities, fundraisers and groups to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and give people a creative outlet to express what they are going through.
“She is a truly remarkable woman who we are lucky to have in Mandurah.”
Sue runs a monthly Parkinson’s Support Group (under the umbrella of Parkinson’s WA) where people enjoy singing, dancing, arts and crafts, plus valuable information about living with Parkinson’s and its daily challenges.
She also organises regular boxing classes for exercise, plus fundraising events including the annual Walk in the Park to support home nurse visits for people with the disease.
Sue's passion for art and creativity has allowed her support to spread even further through her regular Unsteady Hand Mob art workshops and her self-published book, Our Bobbleheaded Nanna, which teaches children about Parkinson’s.
Sue said she likes to bring colour to people’s lives through art, and has become an artist in her own right, creating bags, coasters, clothing, laptop pouches and other items bearing her colourful designs which are all sold to raise funds.
She has also produced and directed two theatre shows – Kinetics and Say That Again – which were held at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre with all proceeds going to Parkinson’s, and delivered a TEDx talk in 2021.
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