A special weekend for the Parkinsons

Last updated : 04 March 2011 By Tony Scholes
Parky, the first Burnley player ever to score a winning goal for the club at Wembley, suffered the stroke in September which attacked his brain stem resulting in him being left with 'locked in syndrome' which is a state of almost total paralysis apart from being able to move his eyes up and down.

Last month it was reported that a speech valve is to be tried to see if he it will allow him to make sounds. If so, the speech therapist will be able to help him with communication.

His former clubs have rallied round and there are a series of events being held in the near future including a dinner at Turf Moor this Sunday.

Before that, his wife Debbie and their son Luke will be accompanied by his former Burnley and Preston team mate David Eyres onto the Turf Moor pitch at half time tomorrow afternoon to make the half time draw. It will give all of us the opportunity to show our support.

The dinner follows on the following evening with around 350 set to support Gary and his family. Further dinners will be held at Blackpool and through Bernie Slaven at Middlesbrough. A football match is also in the schedule as Middlesbrough's 'Team of 86' reform.

A web site www.garyparky.co.uk has been set up with details of all the events being organised and with information on Gary, and once more Clarets Mad would like to send our best wishes to Gary and his family with the sincere wish for a speedy recovery.