The Asian Achievers Awards has chosen Parkinson’s UK as its charity partner this year to raise awareness of, and encourage conversations about, the condition in the South Asian community. 

Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, affecting around 153,000 people in the UK.

Established in 2000 and held annually since then, the Awards are organised by advisory firm EPG. They are consistently recognised by the South Asian community as the most prestigious and highly respected Awards in the calendar. 

They have directly raised over £5 million for charitable causes since their inception, and last year the total net worth of the guests attending the Awards ceremony exceeded £30 billion.

Managing Director of EPG Pratik Dattani, said: “We strive to identify, recognise and platform the most inspirational South Asians in the country every year. But it’s important to use this platform to raise awareness of important causes. 

Parkinson’s is something about which there are considerable misconceptions and stigma in the South Asian community. I’m really glad to be working with Parkinson’s UK to use our platform to raise awareness and support a noble cause.”

David Newbold, Director of Community at Parkinson’s UK said: “We are delighted to come on board as this year’s charity partner at the prestigious Asian Achievers Awards. It not only brings an opportunity for us to raise vital funds and awareness of Parkinson’s, but to reach more of the South Asian community. 

We know that Parkinson’s can feel very isolating within this community and people need a safe space to talk, to find others who understand. Our mission is to remove barriers to accessing advice and information, and to ultimately be there with the relevant support when people need it most.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said of the Awards last year: “British Asians are a driving force behind much of the social, cultural and economic innovation we see in Britain today … This is why it is wonderful to see so many British Asian change-makers being recognised tonight by the team at EPG.”

Last year’s winners included Leicester City footballer Hamza Choudhury and the founder of the largest distributor of car parts in Europe Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia. For his over 50 years in public service, the Lifetime Achievement Award went to former Member of Parliament Virendra Sharma.

The partnership with Parkinson’s UK builds on the charity’s existing commitment to engaging the South Asian community. This work already spans local events, support services and a Race Equality in Research programme paving the way to better Parkinson’s treatments. As the Asian Achievers Awards charity partner, the media opportunities and event attendance will help to open up conversations, deepen knowledge, and to offer the support available to the South Asian community, at every stage of their Parkinson’s journey.