Celebrating Community at Parklands Care Home in Alloa

When local legacy meets heartfelt care, something truly meaningful happens. This was powerfully on display at Parklands Care Home in Alloa, where Meallmore recently made a £5,000 donation to Parkinson’s UK, celebrating both the charity’s vital work and the longstanding commitment of two of its residents.

Honouring Jack and Margaret’s Lifelong Dedication

The celebration was inspired by the remarkable story of Jack and Margaret Gilchrist, residents of Parklands with a deep connection to Parkinson’s UK. Jack served as treasurer for the Stirling and Clackmannanshire branch for many years. Together, they regularly raised funds during Parkinson’s Week by fundraising at Stirling Mills on weekends - an effort that spanned years and brought comfort and support to many.

Jack’s role began when he was nominated by one of Parkinson’s UK’s founder members. His service wasn’t merely administrative; it was rooted in hope, community recognition, and genuine compassion. Bringing their story into the forefront and a tribute to local activism and personal dedication.

A Joyous Celebration

The donation event was held at Parklands Care Home. Families, colleagues, community members, and Parkinson’s UK representatives gathered. The atmosphere was warm and uplifting, filled with drinks, nibbles, heartfelt conversation, and entertainment that honoured the evening’s purpose.

Cillian Hennessey, CEO of Meallmore, said:

“Parkinson’s UK is one of a number of charities that we support. Sadly, around 13,000 people have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s in Scotland, and half of these are people living with more advanced Parkinson’s, dealing with complex symptoms. Parkinson’s UK does brilliant work across the country, and I’m thrilled that we can offer them some support. It was moving to see Jack and Margaret’s passion for this charity. When we learned about their history with Parkinson’s UK, we knew Parklands was the perfect place to present this donation."

This connection made the fundraising more than a corporate gesturei - t was community in action.

Parkinson’s Impact in Scotland

With approximately 13,000 individuals living with Parkinson’s in Scotland, half of those are managing more advanced stages of the disease. These stages often involve complex symptoms, including mobility challenges, tremors, speech difficulties, and fatigue. Parkinson’s UK plays a critical role in supporting affected individuals and their families through advocacy, research funding, healthcare initiatives, and local community support.

Meallmore’s donation supports these efforts directly. As Bruce Port, Community Fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to Meallmore for this generous donation. It was great to be with everyone at Parklands Care Home, especially Jack and Margaret, who have done so much to support our work. We’re here to make every day better for everybody living with Parkinson’s. We campaign for better health and care, fund research into groundbreaking new treatments, and run life-changing support services. But we couldn’t do any of this without our supporters. This kind donation from Meallmore will help us in our mission to be there for every Parkinson’s journey.”

A Bridge Between Home and Community

Parklands Care Home isn’t just a building - it’s a part of Alloa’s heart. Opened in 2012, this modern care home provides tailored residential, nursing, dementia, respite, and palliative care to its residents. It includes unique facilities such as landscaped gardens, comfortable lounges, a hairdressing salon, and bright private bedrooms - designed for comfort, dignity, and warmth.

On a daily basis, residents benefit from structured activities, community engagement, personalised nursing, and compassionate support. By hosting the donation event, Parklands demonstrated how care homes can lead in community connection and acts of kindness beyond their walls.

Outcomes That Matter

This event delivered deep outcomes:

• Emotional connection: The inclusion of Jack and Margaret brought their hard work and community legacy into heartfelt focus.
• Community visibility: The event created opportunities for residents, colleagues, families, and community groups to unite for a shared cause.
• Charity support: A £5,000 donation contributes to vital research, advocacy, and services that improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s.
• Shared values: Meallmore and Parkinson’s UK aligned in showing that compassion, dignity, and community support can help lead positive change.

Parklands’ colleagues and families will remember this day as proof that every life matters, every story counts, and showing up for others defines the spirit of care. The smiles, the laughter, the shared memories - all become part of the home’s ongoing legacy.

For Meallmore, this is only the beginning of deepening community partnerships. By building on foundations like the Gilchrists’ story and the Alloa connection, we walk forward with compassion, respect, and resolve.