About us
What we do
We are a not for profit charity. Our events, activities and services are provided by volunteers, some of whom have Parkinson’s themselves.
We aim to help all those affected
Our focus is not solely on the Parkinson’s condition. We want to help all those affected by Parkinson’s to live life to the full and to live well. Life does not stop because you have Parkinson’s. Learn to understand the condition and take control of life by joining us for coffee, a chat, exercise, or whatever you would like to do.
Our events are open to all members of Parkinson’s Guernsey, and many are provided free of charge. You, your loved ones and your carers are welcome to attend whether they have Parkinson’s or they simply want to support those who do.
See events & activities
Our aims
Receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s can come as a huge shock. At the very least, you and those around you will be concerned about what the future holds. The Board of Parkinson’s Guernsey wants to assure you that you are not alone.
Parkinson’s Guernsey LBG
Drawing on their own life experiences and benefitting from a close relationship with the medical experts in Guernsey in the field of Parkinson’s, our aim is to provide information and support to you, your loved ones and others close to you. At the same time, we want to raise the profile and understanding of Parkinson’s within the community.
Our team
Introducing the members of the Board of Parkinson’s Guernsey LBG who are working to support you and your loved ones
Paul Backhouse – Chairman
Paul
Warner Koller – Treasurer
Warner graduated from Manchester University with a Mathematics degree. He subsequently qualified as a chartered accountant and after a career in financial services lasting over 40 years retired as a director of a trust company.
Warner has previously held voluntary positions including treasurer of Pinner Lawn Tennis Club, member of the GSPCA Committee, chairman of Barclays Guernsey Charity Committee, treasurer of the Guernsey Badminton Association and a member of the Mare de Carteret Primary School Committee.
Jane Koller – Secretary
Jane has worked in the finance industry since leaving school. She started at the Bank of England before moving to Guernsey and working for Rothschilds. After leaving there to have children she then worked in various banks before moving to the finance department at Queens Road Medical Practice for nearly 10 years.
Jane has previously been membership secretary of Pinner Lawn Tennis Club and secretary of the Guernsey Badminton Association. She was also on the committee for the Guernsey Guide Association.
Mélanie Hardouin – Chief Executive
After graduating from the Université Paul Sabatier in Toulouse ( France), Mélanie worked as a Communication officer, Event organizer officer, and Director of Projects in France. She also dedicated several years as Humanitarian worker in Africa and developed Community Health, Food autonomy and education programmes.
“As now CEO of Parkinson’s Guernsey, there is truly no greater reward than seeing our Members engage, connect and rediscover joy through our growing range of activities. Watching our members feel part and embrace life fully, that’s the heart of what we do, and it’s the greatest motivation to keep growing and evolving our offer following our Motto: “Parkinson’s Guernsey, Moving forward together””.
Chris Betley
Chris has always been an Islander, from birth in the Bahamas to the marginally less tropical Channel Islands, via stints in Montreal (university) and the Isle of Man (work). He co-founded and ran a successful ad agency in Guernsey for 31 years before selling the business and being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2023. Upon diagnosis, Chris was introduced to Parkinson’s Guernsey, where he was so impressed with the help and assistance provided that he joined the board! Honestly. Chris is also the German Honorary Consul.
Charles Evans
Charles was born in Guernsey and educated at Elizabeth College. He has over thirty years experience in financial services where he has specialised, for the last twenty of those years, in regulatory compliance and risk management. He is a Fellow of the International Compliance Association and a Certified Professional. During his career he has developed an interest in supporting the local community and is a member of the corporate social responsibility committee where he works. In his spare time Charles enjoys regular Nordic walking, swimming, travel and cooking.
Penny Sarchet
Penny has been involved with the Parkinson’s charity in Guernsey for 20 years having taken over as Secretary from her mother in 2003. Born and educated in Guernsey, has a degree from Portsmouth University and works in Banking. Penny enjoys sea swimming and offshore rowing and is a member of the Guernsey Rowing Club Committee. Penny is passionate about the charity and has seen it grow from strength to strength over the years. After a break of 3 years Penny is enthusiastic to return to fund raising and increasing awareness about this most important cause.
Jane Tullier
After working in a medical practice for many years, Jane qualified as a Personal Trainer and then a Nordic Walking Instructor. She was introduced to Smoveys™, which were designed by an Austrian with Parkinson’s for people with Parkinson’s. Hospital physios agreed a 10-week trial of a weekly exercise class involving the Smoveys™ and so her journey into the Parkinson’s family began. She was a member of the Committee which ran the forerunner to Parkinson’s Guernsey LBG and is pleased to be a Director of the current charity. Jane continues to deliver a weekly exercise class.