Our Team
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Rachael Lawson
NEC-RIG Co-Lead
I am a Senior Research Fellow at Newcastle University and part of the Brain and Movement research group. I have worked with people with Parkinson’s and their families and carers for more than 10 years. My background is in psychology and my research focuses on Parkinson's disease, dementia and delirium. I have developed the NEC-RIG and co-lead the group. I am passionate about making research accessible to all and making research engaging, both here in the NEC-RIG and at the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre.
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Rosie Morris
NEC-RIG Co-Lead
I am a clinical researcher and a Physiotherapist by background. I have worked with people with Parkinson’s for over 10 years, and developed and now co-lead the Research Interest Group in the North East and Cumbria as there was no dedicated research group within our region, despite the wealth of research work we have.
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Rosie Varden
NEC-RIG Co-Lead
I am a clinical research fellow and elderly care specialty training doctor by background. Alongside working with the local Parkinson's teams to develop the North Cumbria clinical service, my research is looking at the prevalence of Parkinson's in the region.
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Liz Nash
Research Support Network Manager, Parkinson’s UK
I joined Parkinson’s UK’s Research Communications and Engagement Team in 2018. The Research Support Network (RSN) connects people affected by Parkinson's to all the latest research news and opportunities to get involved. In my role as RSN Manager, I am responsible for leading the growth, development and activities of the network – including supporting Parkinson’s UK’s Research Interest Groups across the UK, and overseeing research volunteering opportunities within the charity.
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Kirsty McDowell
Area Development Manager, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland and Teesside
As Area Development Manager for Parkinson's UK, I am focused on helping people with Parkinson's and their families to live well with the condition. I work with partners such as exercise providers, the NHS, and local authorities to ensure people have the activities and services they need to live life to the fullest. All my work is driven by the needs of the local Parkinson's community.
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Cara Connolly
Area Development Manager for North Cumbria, Newcastle, Gateshead, Durham and Darlington
I am an Area Development Manager for North Cumbria and parts of the North East Region, including Newcastle/Gateshead, Durham and Darlington. It is my role to bring together the voices of the Parkinson's community locally and work with professionals and providers to allow plenty of opportunities for people to engage in activities, groups or access support and information. Also to establish and build relationships with those working in the NHS and other organisations so that we can input effectively when required.